The presentation took place on 4 October 2023 and was opened and chaired by ELI’s former First Vice-President, Lord John Thomas, who acts as one of the Assessors of the project. It was attended by Marie-Helene Boulanger, Acting Director of the Rule of Law, Fundamental Rights and Democracy Unit (JUST C) and members of the Unit, Heini Huotarinen, Srd Kisevic, Cristian Alexandru Leahu, Silvia Lopez-Arnao, Harry Panagopulos, and Pierre Rabourdin.

During the presentation, Prof Dr Tridimas explained the project’s methodology and provided an overview of the Principles. He also delved into some of the Principles in detail. Prof Dr Muir described the structure of the Principles and discussed their sources. This was followed by a discussion with participants, who emphasised the fact that ELI’s project is extremely interesting and valuable. A mutual desire to cooperate further on the topic was expressed.

The presentation was organised, upon the suggestion of the European Commission, by ELI in the context of a broad consultation process ELI undertook earlier this year to gather feedback on the preliminary output of the project. Internal feedback from the Project Team, Advisors and ELI bodies, as well as external feedback, are being considered by the Reporters, who are in the process of finalising the output, with a view to delivering it to the ELI Council for a vote in November 2023.

ELI is very grateful to Lord John Thomas, Prof Dr Elise Muir and Prof Dr Takis Tridimas for their preparedness to engage in dialogue with the European Commission and to the members of the Commission for their interest in this project and valuable insights.

More information about the project is available here.