The European Law Institute (ELI) marked a significant milestone on 1 June 2026, celebrating 15 years since its foundation with a central anniversary event in Madrid that brought together leading legal professionals, policymakers, academics, and institutional partners from across Europe.

Hosted with the support of the Spanish Supreme Court, the General Council of the Judiciary of Spain, the General Council of Notaries of Spain, the Spanish Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Spanish Association of Property and Mercantile Registrars, and other partners, the event reflected on ELI’s journey as a leading independent forum dedicated to improving the quality of law in Europe through analysis, collaboration, and inclusive dialogue.

The celebrations opened with an inaugural address by Félix Bolaños García, Spain’s Minister of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with Parliament, who highlighted the importance of strong justice systems, the rule of law, and European cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges.

A central session on The European Law Institute: 15 Years of Impact featured contributions from ELI President Prof Dr Teresa Rodríguez de las Heras Ballell, First Vice-President Sir Geoffrey Vos, and Second Vice-President Pietro Sirena. Together, they reflected on ELI’s achievements since its establishment in 2011 and its role in fostering legal dialogue, supporting law reform, and strengthening cooperation among legal professionals and institutions across Europe.

The programme also included a discussion on the foundations and evolution of ELI, featuring representatives of its institutional founding members. Contributions from Marc Schmitz and Leo Netter of the International Union of Judicial Officers (UIHJ), Noemí Alarcón of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), and Annerie Ploumen of the Council of the Notariats of the European Union (CNUE) highlighted the collaborative vision that has shaped ELI since its inception.

Ana Gallego Torres, Director-General of DG JUST at the European Commission, shared insights on European policy and the future of justice, while Teresa Peramato Martín, Spanish Prosecutor General, addressed the role of criminal justice within Europe’s evolving legal order.

The event concluded with reflections from Concepción Pilar Barrio del Olmo, President of the General Council of Notaries of Spain and Dean of the College of Notaries of Madrid, alongside ELI President Teresa Rodríguez de las Heras Ballell. Their remarks looked ahead to the next decade of ELI’s work and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to improving the law through cooperation, innovation, and inclusive dialogue.

The Madrid celebration forms part of a year-long series of anniversary events taking place across Europe and around the world throughout 2026, underscoring ELI’s growing international reach and its enduring contribution to legal development and the rule of law.