Research in the field of European and Transnational Studies involves the study of integration both within the European Union and in Europe beyond the European Union, and also the study of transnational law, policy and societies within and beyond Europe. This multi-faceted subject is also pursued by the interdisciplinary Centre for European and Transnational Studies (‘CETS’), which is led from the School of Law, and comprises colleagues from Anthropology, Education, Law, Management, Political Science and Sociology. As a subsection of the broader disciplinary research theme outlined here, the focus is on European and Transnational law. Both go beyond traditional international law in that they comprise legal systems and techniques impacting on societies and economies directly.

There is an established tradition in the School of Law of studying and researching European Union law, presently evidenced by hosting a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence (now comprised by CETS), participation in research networks on EU environmental law, EU competition and social law, a Jean Monnet module in competition law and the contribution to high-level EU themed conferences such as the 50^th anniversary annual conference of the University Association of Contemporary European Studies which is being held in Belfast in 2020. The School also has exceptional strength in transnational business law, comprising research on financial services law, WTO law and EU External Trade law among others.

This particular research area has become more topical since the EU / UK referendum in 2016, given the wider public and professional interest in the question of how trade, service provision, citizens’ movement and related rights guarantees will be impacted upon by the UK’s impeding withdrawal from the EU. Another major issue is how the transnational processes established, not only on the island of Ireland, but also between the UK and its European neighbours generally, can be maintained after the UK withdraws from the EU. Law School researchers in several areas of European Union and Transnational law have given evidence to UK and Irish parliamentary committees as well as to European bodies. Colleagues have also engaged in knowledge exchange with the Northern Ireland Executive, by contributing to academic training and the development of future perspectives for Northern Ireland after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

Affiliated Staff

 Staff Profiles are available here