The Centre was established in January 2024 succeeding the MPI Luxembourg for Procedural Law (2012-2024). Professor Pierre Henri Conac undertook the duties of acting director. Professor Takis Tridimas was appointed as the first director on 1 October 2024. Apart from the director, the Centre currently has 2 professors (Professor Joana Mendes and Professor Pierre-Henri Conac), 10 post-doctoral fellows, 9 doctoral candidates, and 8 librarians who manage its specialist library. It is assisted by 3 administrators.
An active recruitment strategy is in place. Two new post-doctoral researchers were appointed in the academic year 2024-2025. It is expected that an associate professor, two post doctoral researchers, a research specialist, and four doctoral students will join the Centre in the academic year 2025-2026. A further expansion is planned for 2026-2027.
Our vision
The Centre aims at positioning itself as a leading global hub for the academic study of European law. Its mission is to carry out both theoretical and applied research. It is driven by academic
curiosity and it is independent. It aims at promoting debate with a view to enhancing the understanding of contemporary problems faced by society and contributing to their resolution.
We value both doctrinal and inter-disciplinary research, acknowledging that they are addressed to different audiences.
Our main priority is to produce outstanding and original scholarship.
The Centre aspires to appeal to broad constituencies including the scholarly community, policy makers, courts and the civil society. It serves Luxembourg by contributing to its development
as a centre of academic excellence. It contributes to European society by engaging with the major issues of European law and policy. It has global resonance by producing impactful,
cutting-edge research.
Our approach
We believe that the study of European law should be guided by openness. The relationship between EU law and its surroundings is dialectical. On the one hand, EU scholars have much
to gain from other legal systems, for example, the study of US constitutional theory or the study of the law of international organisations. On the other hand, topics in which European law is
strong or has made a distinct contribution are not solely of concern to Europe. Outstanding research on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, for example, is of interest to all
constitutionalists and human rights lawyers and not only to European ones. Similarly, EU environmental law or the EU regulation of artificial intelligence invites attention from all
scholars in the respective fields and can have global resonance.
The Centre works closely with the Department of Law of the University of Luxembourg, including in collaborative research projects, event organization, and doctoral supervision. Also,
Centre Faculty fulfil their teaching obligations through participation in the educational programmes offered by the Department of Law.
Our people
The greatest asset of the Luxembourg Centre in European Law (LCEL) is undoubtedly its staff. Born out of the former Max Planck Institute Luxembourg, the LCEL community, coming from all over the world, prides itself on being a community of exceptional lawyers and dedicated professionals from diverse backgrounds, united in their commitment to pushing the boundaries of European law.
Our team consists of distinguished legal scholars, experienced practitioners and visionary leaders who all bring their unique perspectives and talents to the work.