Latest blog articles

  • The fluke of international law that led to an accidental condominium

    Only a short drive from Maastricht, border stones still mark the borders of Neutral Moresnet, a small condominium that was the result of a very peculiar round of border negotiations and for over a hundred years was a tax haven, a gambling paradise and a would-be Esperanto state.

    Law
    aw_blog_aron_bosman_Moresnet
  • The EU’s race to the bottom on asylum seekers’ rights

    Throughout the EU, the rights of asylum seekers come under pressure. Overdue policy changes remain stuck in negotiations because of lacking political will. It is up to the European Commission to step up and protect the fundamental rights of asylum seekers.

    Law
    law_migration_blog_aron_bosman
  • State aid and export credits: which law applies?

    Officially supported export credits are instruments that governments can use to boost or support their exports, either through insurances, loans or guarantees. Most governments provide this support through Export Credit Agencies (ECAs), the first of which were founded in the 1920s (Stephens, 1999).

    Law
  • Should we worry about sovereign debt?

    In her recent book “The Deficit Myth” star economist Stephanie Kelton tells us why economists should not worry too much about sovereign debt and deficits. But is that the same for lawyers? And are all countries truly treated equally?

    Law
    law_blog_bob_jennekes_sovereign
  • Putting students in the driver’s seat

    For me, Problem-Based Learning is about democratising the classroom. It is about realising that everyone has something of value to add (not only the teacher) and that everyone in the room can bring something to the discussion. It is a very productive way to solve problems and to move forward.

    Science and Engineering
    Christopher Pawley
  • Who is a spouse for the purpose of EU free movement law?

    Union citizens have the right to be accompanied by their ‘spouse’ when exercising their mobility rights. But what if your spouse is denied right of residence because the destination Member State does not recognise your marriage?

    Law
    Flickr - © Robert Couse-Baker - Let freedom ring
  • Defending the Central European University: options for invoking EU law

    The Central European University is facing severe restrictions after a modification to the Hungarian Higher Education Act. This blog article argues that EU free movement law could be relied upon to challenge that amendment and that, considering the particularly egregious violation of Union law at...

    Law
    pedestrians_free movement_students
  • Quota system for 'risk countries': is Saxion crossing the line?

    To counter misuse of student visas the Saxion University of Applied Sciences applies a so called ‘quota system’ for students from ‘risk countries’. The question is whether a quota is an appropriate instrument and if it is not in conflict with (European) law. This blog is only available in Dutch.

    Law
    Saxion_Deventer_Wikimedia