King’s College – MCC Summit: On the Route to Europe

This year’s King’s – MCC Summit focused on the issues of institutional balance within European integration and the autonomy of European law, exploring the contemporary dimensions of these questions. The opening lectures were delivered by Vilija Vėlyvytė and Darren Harvey, professors at the King’s College Centre of European Law, who addressed various aspects of institutional balance. In her presentation, Vilija Vėlyvytė examined recent case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning EU citizenship, fundamental values, and the rule of law, analyzing these developments in light of the broader institutional framework. Darren Harvey explored the impact of the CJEU’s jurisprudence on the balance between the EU and its Member States, focusing on how the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality—intended to safeguard Member State competences—are reflected and applied in the Court’s case law. The keynote lecture was delivered by Christopher Vajda KC, former Judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union, who illustrated, through concrete examples, the interpretative methods applied in British legal practice.

In his presentation, Lénárd Sándor, Head of the MCC School of Law, analyzed the autonomy of European law—its function, substance, and necessary boundaries—as reflected both in the case law of the CJEU as well as in the jurisprudence of national constitutional courts. This year, MCC alumni also had the opportunity to deliver presentations. Gábor Kozma, a former student of the MCC School of Law, explored the relationship between commercial arbitration and EU law, while Gabriella Érdi, a researcher at the MCC International Law Workshop, examined the CJEU’s recent decisions related to sports arbitration. Between the academic sessions, students participated in a quiz competition organized by Julianna Róka, an MCC student currently studying in London. In addition to the conference, participants gained valuable insight into the distinct world and traditions of the British bar. At the Honorable Society of Gray’s Inn, Sam Hutchinson, Head of the Cabinet, gave an engaging presentation—enriched with humorous anecdotes—about the historical roots, functions, and unique characteristics of the English Inn of Court system. The students also had the opportunity to meet informally with Christopher Vajda KC over lunch and to learn more about postgraduate study opportunities in London.