“Rediscovering European Integration through Legal Storytelling” means re-evaluate the foundational period of European integration, focusing on key rulings delivered by the Court of Justice in the first decades of its activity. This period is crucial for understanding the establishment of principles that continue to underpin the EU legal order today.
The project is based on the PAN (Process-Actors-Narratives) approach , a methodology that explores legal cases not only from a strictly legal perspective, but also in relation to their historical, political, social and economic context, also taking into account the personalities involved in the proceedings and their contribution. The result? A legal story-telling that provides an opportunity to highlight how community law has developed contingently, rather than evolving gradually and linearly.
The project will culminate in the dissemination of its findings through traditional academic channels, such as conferences and publications, as well as innovative methods like podcasts and a digital archive. This will make the research accessible to a broader audience, including academics, students, and the general public, thereby enhancing understanding of the impact of EU law and policy.
The research project is a collaborative effort among three Italian universities: the University of Naples “Federico II”, the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, and the University of Turin. The researchers involved are Italian and foreign experts in EU law, international law, and legal history, ensuring a robust and interdisciplinary approach to the study of European integration. Read their findings in the ECJ FOUNDATIONAL JUDGMENTS section.