ABOUT ERA

We, the Academy of European Law (ERA), are the leading provider of continuing training in European law. We provide specialised programmes to practitioners in all legal professions. We also offer a unique forum for practitioners from different Member States and legal professions to meet and exchange with one another and with the EU institutions responsible for the development and application of European law.

Who We Are and What We Do

We are a public, non-profit foundation, established in 1992 at the initiative of the European Parliament. Our purpose is to serve the European public interest by ensuring that legal practitioners throughout Europe have the knowledge and necessary training to apply European law in practice.

Our patrons include the 27 EU Member States, Albania, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Scotland, the City of Trier and the Friends of ERA Association. We are co-funded by the European Union (as a Jean Monnet Designated Institution) and the German Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate.

We offer face to face, hybrid and online training activities, asynchronous e-learning products, and publications, including the quarterly legal journal ERA Forum. Designed and implemented by an international team of lawyers, our activities cover all areas of European law and are supported by an extensive network of legal professionals from all over Europe and beyond.

As a centre of expert knowledge and debate in European law, we enable legal professionals to develop and maintain their expertise, exchange experience, and contribute to the uniform and effective application of European law.

Our Vision

As the leading educational institute in European law for legal practitioners, we provide training and a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience to strengthen a coherent legal and judicial culture in Europe.

We uphold European values and promote the effective and uniform application of European law.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower judges, prosecutors, lawyers, civil servants and other legal practitioners across Europe through knowledge, skills and networks to effectively apply European law.

Through comprehensive further education programmes, expert-led seminars and collaborative forums, we contribute to the coherent application and development of European law.

We are committed to creating an educational environment that fosters professional development and enables practitioners from diverse national and professional backgrounds to share their expertise.

We serve the public interest and promote European values.

THE FOUNDATION

The ERA Foundation provides the Academy with its institutional backbone. Our patrons and board members include members of the judiciary, practising lawyers, EU civil servants and academics, and represent decades of expertise from across Europe’s legal community. They all play an essential part in ensuring that ERA delivers excellence in legal training and offers professional exchange.

Patrons

Governing Board

Political Advisory Board

MEET THE ERA Team

Join the ERA Team

Friends of ERA

The Friends of ERA is a Europe-wide network of individuals and organisations committed to supporting the mission and work of our Academy. The Friends have been alongside the Academy since before its foundation in 1992, playing a vital role in its creation and remaining a strong supporter ever since. The national chapters, as well as the Young Friends of ERA, connect members from diverse professional backgrounds.

The Association also supports key ERA initiatives including the scholarship programme, the Young European Lawyers Contest and projects in countries on the path to EU accession.

AnnUAL Reports

Discover the highlights and achievements of the Academy in our 2024 Annual Report. Learn about major organisational developments, programme milestones and initiatives delivered throughout the years, and access the full collection of ERA’s annual reports here.

Annual Reports ERA

Information For Participants / Visitors

Our conference centre and offices are located in Trier, Germany, with convenient access by air, rail and road. A range of accommodation options is available in the city and nearby. Find more information here.

Getting to ERA

Accommodation

Library

Our library, which is also an EDC, boasts a rich collection of specialised European law publications and legal journals. Find additional information on our library here.

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CULTURE, SUSTAINABILITY & SUPPORT

Scholarships

Our scholarship programme enables legal professionals from across Europe to access EU law training and engage in cross-border exchange and networking.

Since 1999, we have hosted public exhibitions of paintings, graphics, photographs and sculptures in our foyer, cafeteria and glazed gallery. Find out more about our latest and upcoming exhibitions.

Find out how we actively limit the environmental impact of our activities and promote sustainability through an EMAS-certified management system.

ERA CoNFERENCE CENTRE

The ECC offers versatile event spaces designed to host successful gatherings of all kinds.

Located near Trier’s historic Imperial Roman Baths, the ECC provides a professional setting for international conferences, trade fairs, product presentations, celebrations, political summits and concerts. All rooms benefit from natural daylight and state-of-the-art technical equipment, while our excellent service ensures that every event runs smoothly.

With 100 parking spaces in its own underground car park and a conference hotel directly connected to the building, the centre provides comprehensive facilities tailored to each client’s needs. The dedicated ECC team works closely with organisers to ensure the success of every event.

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