The rule of law is one of the foundational values of the European Union. Respecting (and promoting) it is one of the prerequisites for EU membership. However, in the past 10 years we have seen a rapid decline of the rule of law in a number of EU Member States, including Hungary, Poland and Romania, and lately Slovakia. What instruments does the EU have at its disposal to make sure its Member States uphold the rule of law? What have the European Commission, Council, European Parliament and Court of Justice done to enforce its respect? Are the present tools sufficient or do we need additional mechanisms?

Jan Wouters is Full Professor of International Law and International Organizations, Jean Monnet Chair ad personam and Director of the Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies and the Institute for International Law at KU Leuven. He also serves as Administrator of the America Europe Fund. He has published widely on international and EU law, global governance and international organizations.

This event is sponsored by the University of Chicago Law School's International Programs and International Law Society.

Lunch will be provided. Please submit dietary requests eight business days prior to the program to Aican Nguyen at aican@uchicago.edu. Although we will try to accommodate dietary needs, it is not guaranteed.