The European Law Institute (ELI) will host its annual meeting in Vienna in September 2025, focusing on the challenges and opportunities posed by sustainability and environmental issues within the European Union. Key topics include the greening of supply chains, corporate liability for climate harm, climate justice, environmental rights, and the future of green finance. The meeting will feature distinguished speakers from across Europe, including attorneys, judges, and policymakers. Below are key points to consider:
Sustainability and Legal Development in Europe
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Greening Supply Chains: The role of technology, collaboration, and policy in advancing sustainability has been highlighted in a recent ruling by the Europeancourt of Human Rights (ECtHR). The ruling emphasizes the link between human rights and climate change, setting a precedent for ongoing discussions on green supply chains.
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Corporate Criminal Liability: The EU is exploring harmonisation of corporate liability for climate harm. CLIP, the Europeanliquidright, and other efforts are advancing this area, earning recognition as a critical issue in the EU legal framework.
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Climate Justice: Addressing legal challenges in irreversible climate change, such as national disputes in double taxation and corporate-led agreements, is a complex task requiring multifaceted legal approaches.
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Fundamental Rights and Environment: The evolving need to protect the environment while safeguarding human rights is shaping legal landscapes across the EU, requiring simultaneous consideration of both environmental conservation and rights protection.
- Green Finance: Ensuring responsible investment in green finance is essential for addressing environmental challenges, requiring robust legal frameworks to combat fragmentation and regulatory risks, as well as addressing greenwashing issues.
Conclusion
The 2025 ELI meeting promises to be a vibrant celebration of current and future legal challenges in Europe. Topics will reflect the EU’s commitment to sustainability and the need for proactive legal strategies. Expect a seamless integration of climate change issues into the legal discussions, as highlighted by the ECtHR ruling. This convergence underscores the importance of diverse legal professionals contributing to systemic change. Stay tuned for updates as the meeting unfolds.
