Insegnamento a.a. 2026-2027

The course examines the evolving role of governments and businesses in addressing social and environmental challenges, as well as the redefinition of corporate purpose and its implications for the future of capitalism.

From this perspective, the course will cover the following main topics:

• The transformation of environmental law: from traditional approaches to emerging paradigms
• New regulatory techniques for environmental governance and management
• Core principles of European environmental law applicable to both public and private actors
• Legal frameworks governing climate change
• The evolving European ESG regulatory landscape
• The circular economy from a legal and regulatory perspective
• Green antitrust law
• Green intellectual property law

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the complex nature of ESG issues and the multiple ways in which law applies to and engages with them
• Understand the impact of corporate purpose on corporate governance and corporate liability
• Develop a solid legal understanding of European Union environmental principles and the concept of sustainable development
• Analyse the different regulatory strategies used to address environmental challenges, as well as the role of key public and private actors within the EU
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the emerging European ESG legal framework and its underlying rationale
• Develop key transferable skills, including teamwork, critical and analytical thinking, and problem-solving (in particular through case studies and group projects)

• Critically assess the broader articulation of the role of companies and their capability to address harms to society or the environment
• Be aware of relevant stakeholders, their preferences, and the path by which they can influence EU environmental law.
• Locate, read, and analyze EU and domestic environmental law and case law
• Foster team work, critical and analytical analysis as well as problem solving (through case studies and class projects).

• Lectures
• Guest speaker's talks (in class or in distance)
• Practical Exercises
• Collaborative Works / Assignments

Teaching is based on an active learning approach and combines lectures with case studies, which are analysed and discussed in class to support students’ understanding.

Occasionally, guest speakers from industry and public institutions may be invited to provide additional perspectives.

Students are expected to ensure regular class attendance (at least 75%) and to actively participate in class discussions and teamwork. Slides and other materials are made available to students beforehand in order to facilitate note taking.

The exam consists of a case study accompanied by several (3–4) open-ended questions. Students are required to apply theoretical concepts to a practical scenario. This format allows the assessment of knowledge (understanding of legal principles), skills (analysis and problem-solving), and abilities (application of theory to practice and structured legal reasoning). This format is available only during the first two exam sessions. 

From the third session onwards, the exam will consist of 2–3 open-ended questions not based on a specific case, together with multiple-choice questions.

J. van Zeben, A. Rowell, A guide to EU environmental law, 2020, University of California Press, ISBN-10 0520295226.

Other materials and selected readings will be indicated at the beginning of the course and will be available online.

Notes will be provided with slides.