Internship
During the last semester of the programme, students will undertake an internship of at least two months. Internships typically start in early March and must continue for a minimum of eight consecutive weeks. Beyond that, the internship’s supervisor and the student may certainly agree to extend the relationship. A student’s performance in the internship will be evaluated by his or her individual internship supervisor (typically an employee or member of the entity at which the internship takes place).
In the past, the vast majority of students participated in an internship at the CJEU. It is highly recommended to apply directly for the position of trainee to the member of the Court from October.
With the support of the European Parliament, as of 2018 students also have the opportunity to complete their internship at the parliament’s legal department (for the paid positions applications need to be submitted prior to 15 October).
Other possible internships are at the EFTA Court, EU institutions and bodies, law firms specialised in European law, permanent representations to the European Union or at legal departments of companies or administrations.
Prizes
The “Azizi Award”
The Azizi award (named after Judge Josef Azizi, formerly of the General Court of the CJEU) rewards the most meritorious student graduating from the Master in European Union Law and Litigation. The prize is awarded during the annual graduation ceremony in December. A committee including the study directors of the programme, Prof. Eleftheria Neframi and Prof. Herwig Hofmann, together with Josef Azizi, selects the winners.
Award of the “Fondation du Mérite Européen”
The programme’s graduates are candidates for the award of the “Fondation du Mérite Européen”, rewarding an excellent Master Thesis on European integration.
Moot court programme
“It is one thing to know the law, another to speak it.”
Participants take part in simulated court proceedings, draft briefs (or memorials) and participate in oral pleadings. Students receive training during the academic year which allows them not only to deepen their knowledge in the respective field of law but also to develop transferable and social skills, such as working in a team and improving both their legal drafting and rhetorical skills. The Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance puts a strong emphasis on the moot court experience and in the past years our teams have achieved remarkable results.