We are very pleased to announce that SWPS University’s Faculty of Law in Warsaw has joined forces with the Riga Graduate School of Law to promote legal education and values of the rule of law in Central and Eastern Europe. Over the next few months, we will be running a series of free webinars “Spring with the Rule of Law in CEE” that will focus on various aspects of the rule of law. The webinars are a great opportunity to meet acclaimed experts specializing the different areas of law, listen to interesting lectures, and participate in online discussions.
Rule of Law in Central and Eastern Europe
The joint project of SWPS University’s Faculty of Law in Warsaw and the Riga Graduate School of Law aims to educate participants about the fundamental concepts of the Rule of Law, its application in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and all potential traps that these countries may encounter during the transformation from post-Soviet to fully democratic countries.
Currently we are in the process of implementing the first phase of the cooperation ‒ a series of four webinars and panel discussions under a common title “Spring with the Rule of Law in CEE”. This is an initial step before undertaking joint research on the rule of law and the fundamental values of constitutional democracy and the European Union. The first online webinar on "The Ideal of the Rule of Law and Why it Matters?” will be hosted by Associate Professor Adam Bodnar - Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Poland.
The webinars are a great opportunity to meet the top experts who have devoted their lives to in-depth research of the rule of law, the legal practice that strengthens the EU’s ideals, and the region of Central and Eastern Europe. Participants also get a chance to ask questions and engage in online discussions.
The second phase of the project is planned in a form of a workshop “Autumn Thoughts Around the Rule of Law in CEE”, which will either take place face to face or online, in Warsaw or Riga, providing the pandemic situation in the fall allows for it. Phase three will culminate in a joint publication of the outcomes of phases one and two of the project.
This cooperation will help us to showcase research potential of both universities with respect to projects focusing on the current social and legal problems of CEE and EU, as well as increase visibility among researchers from other parts of the world, who specialize in this region.
Filip Cyuńczyk, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law in Warsaw, Coordinator of the Project
Poland and Latvia - Common Past and Present
Poland and Latvia, two countries that prior to 1989 were part of the Soviet bloc, share a common past and similar present. The fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has created an extraordinary opportunity to raise democratic societies in this part of the world. Nevertheless, since the economic crisis of 2008 and the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe has been facing a rise of populist movements and national particularisms, which gradually depart from the “rule of law” in favor of the “rule by law”.
Theoretical assumptions of the rule of law in CEE may differ from their actual implementation or regional understanding of the rule of law. Therefore, it is very important to discuss and research the issues related to the rule of law in this part of Europe.
SWPS University’s Faculty of Law in Warsaw
The Faculty of Law in Warsaw at SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities offers a modern study program, focused on practical aspects of Law. The program has been selected as one of the most innovative educational programs in Poland by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and was awarded one million PLN for further development. The Faculty is a member of the European Law Faculties Association (ELFA).
The Law Program at SWPS University has been rated as the best program of its kind in Poland, by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The winning criteria included modern methodology, the practical aspect of studies, flexible curriculum, the quality of internships, and cooperation with employers. The high quality of teaching has been exemplified by numerous awards our law students and graduates win at various competitions, such as the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition, organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Hong Kong or the Mediation and Negotiation Competition, CDRC Vienna.
Learn more about our Faculty of Law in Warsaw »
Riga Graduate School of Law
Riga Graduate School of Law (RGSL) is a specialized law school located in Riga, Latvia. RGSL offers interdisciplinary bachelor and masters programs in law, allowing engaged and curious students to combine their law studies with courses in business, international relations, finance and diplomacy.
RGSL has become a platform for educating professionals in public administration, NGOs, and academia from European Neighborhood Policy countries, Central Asia, and the Western Balkans. In cooperation with the governments of Latvia, Norway, the US, Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, RGSL hosts specialized programs providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of integration and cooperation with the EU. It also hosts capacity building programs contributing to transparency, institution building, and good governance in Ukraine and Central Asian countries.
“Spring with the Rule of Law in CEE” Webinars
The Ideal of the Rule of Law and Why It Matters? »