The LL.M. European Law Study Trip to Strasbourg (31 March-1 April 2026)

Right before the end of our programme in EU Law, we had the pleasure of visiting key European institutions in Strasbourg: the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe.

Our day began with a highlight: attending a Grand Chamber hearing at the European Court of Human Rights in S.O. v Spain (no. 5742/22). It offered a rare opportunity to observe the Court in action beyond the judgments we usually study.

During the hearing, both parties presented their arguments, followed by questions from the judges. 

In the afternoon, we visited the Council of Europe and attended a session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in the impressive plenary chamber. Following a debate with contributions from local representatives and civil society, the Congress adopted a resolution calling for stronger action across all levels of governance to improve access to social rights – particularly in housing, healthcare, education and employment, with a focus on vulnerable groups. It also urged national governments to clarify responsibilities and strengthen the involvement of local authorities in decision-making.

The day concluded with a meeting with a Council of Europe staff member, offering a broader perspective on current human rights challenges. The discussion focused on measuring compliance in practice, identifying enforcement gaps and the role of the European Court of Human Rights. We also explored the tension between interpreting the Convention as a “living instrument” and adhering to its original meaning, raising the question of whether the Court should extend its reach to address contemporary issues such as climate change or migration and asylum. The exchange provided a fitting close to the day, leaving us with valuable insights and plenty of food for thought.