The Maastricht Centre for European Law (MCEL) in collaboration with the Jean Monnet Chair in EU Migration Law and Governance are holding its Opening Event 2026–2027. Recent developments in EU citizenship law seem to signal a shift from the traditional functional paradigm, centred on protecting individuals in cross-border situations, towards a more constitutional, identity, value-based understanding of EU citizenship. At the same time, core free movement rights such as residence and non-discrimination still operate under the rationale of cross-border mobility. The MCEL Opening Event reflects on these developments and considers their implications.

The event aims to bring together motivated students, MCEL members, and experts from academia and the EU institutions. The event will also launch this year’s edition of the MCEL Master Thesis Project on ‘Free Movement of Persons and Mobility’.

Speakers:

• Niamh Nic Shuibhne: Professor of European Union Law, University of Edinburgh

• Nathan Cambien: Legal officer in Legal Service of the European Commission

• Siniša Rodin: Judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union (tbc)

Following their talks, a roundtable discussion will take place with:

• Fulvia Ristuccia, Assistant Professor of European Union Law, Maastricht University

• Pauline Melin, Assistant Professor of European Union Law, Maastricht University.