The European Public Law Organization, through the European Law & Governance School in collaboration with the Luiss School of Government and the Luiss Center for Parliamentary Studies, is inviting applications for the 2026 Summer Program titled “Parliaments and War: From Diplomacy to Security.” The prestigious summer school will take place in Rome from 13–17 July 2026 and offers participants an exceptional opportunity to explore the evolving role of parliamentary institutions during times of geopolitical crises, war, diplomacy, and security challenges.
This highly specialized summer program is designed to provide participants with advanced academic and practical insights into parliamentary democracy in Europe, focusing on how legislatures operate under conditions of conflict, emergency, and international instability. Through lectures, discussions, institutional visits, and networking opportunities, participants will engage with experts and practitioners from across the world while deepening their understanding of governance, democratic accountability, constitutionalism, and international cooperation.
Applications are currently open, and selected applicants can benefit from one of the 10 full scholarships offered by the European Public Law Organization.
About the Summer Program
The 2026 Summer Program on Parliamentary Democracy in Europe marks the third consecutive collaboration between the European Law & Governance School and the Luiss School of Government. This year’s theme, “Parliaments and War: From Diplomacy to Security,” addresses one of the most urgent issues in contemporary international politics.
As wars, security threats, and geopolitical tensions increasingly shape global affairs, parliamentary institutions are being challenged to balance democratic oversight with effective responses to crises. Legislatures now play a vital role in:
- Foreign policy decision-making
- Security governance
- Intelligence oversight
- Defense policies
- International cooperation
- Democratic accountability during emergencies
The program offers participants the opportunity to critically analyze how parliaments respond to war-related situations while maintaining constitutional values, transparency, and the rule of law.
Participants will also gain a broader understanding of how parliamentary systems interact with diplomacy, military operations, and executive authority in rapidly changing geopolitical environments.
What Participants Will Learn
The summer school provides a comprehensive curriculum combining academic theory with practical exposure. Participants will explore several important themes, including:
Key Areas of Study
- Parliamentary democracy in Europe
- Security governance and defense oversight
- Constitutional challenges during crises
- International diplomacy and parliamentary engagement
- Democratic accountability in emergency situations
- Intelligence oversight and legislative scrutiny
- European and international governance frameworks
- Rule of law and transparency during wartime
- Foreign policy and international cooperation
- The relationship between security and democratic institutions
The program is research-based and professionally oriented, ensuring participants gain both analytical and practical skills relevant to international governance and public policy.
Interactive Learning Experience
One of the major strengths of the program is its interactive structure. Instead of relying solely on lectures, the summer school includes:
- Expert-led discussions
- Practical exercises
- Group debates
- Institutional visits
- Networking sessions
- Academic workshops
- Professional engagement opportunities
Participants will have the chance to interact directly with scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and experts working in governance, diplomacy, parliamentary affairs, and international relations.
The European Public Law Organization and European Law & Governance School Day
A major highlight of the summer school is the dedicated European Public Law Organization and European Law & Governance School Day hosted in Rome.
This component of the program provides participants with:
- Intensive academic sessions
- Specialized lectures
- Policy-focused discussions
- Institutional exposure
- Networking opportunities
- A group dinner experience
Hosted at the European Law & Governance School premises in Trastevere, the program enables participants to critically reflect on the evolving responsibilities of parliaments during geopolitical crises and war-related challenges.
The sessions focus heavily on:
- Parliamentary oversight during conflict
- Executive accountability
- Democratic resilience
- International security governance
- Legislative responses to crises
This unique academic experience bridges the gap between theory and real-world parliamentary practice.
Scholarship Benefits
The European Public Law Organization is offering 10 full tuition scholarships to outstanding applicants.
Selected scholars will receive:
- Full tuition coverage
- Access to all academic sessions
- Reading and learning materials
- Participation in lectures and workshops
- Institutional and study visits
- Academic supervision and feedback
- Networking opportunities
- Participation in the European Public Law Organization and European Law & Governance School Day
- Group dinner during the program
- Double certificate of participation
Please note that scholarship recipients are required to pay an administrative fee of €300.
Participants are also responsible for covering:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation expenses
- Personal costs
Program Fees
For applicants who do not receive scholarships, the tuition fees are:
- €800 without accommodation
- €1,200 with accommodation
Students from partner universities and Luiss students receive a 10% tuition fee reduction.
Who Can Apply?
The summer program welcomes applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Eligible applicants include:
- Bachelor’s graduates
- Master’s graduates
- PhD candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Civil servants
- NGO professionals
- Policy practitioners
- Researchers
- Professionals in governance and international affairs
Preferred academic backgrounds include:
- Constitutional law
- Human rights
- Political science
- Parliamentary studies
- Legislative studies
- European studies
- International relations
- Governance
- Social sciences
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong academic or professional achievement
- Interest in parliamentary democracy and governance
- Good written and spoken English proficiency
Why This Summer School Stands Out
This program provides a rare opportunity to study parliamentary democracy and security governance in one of Europe’s most historically and politically significant cities.
Participants benefit from:
- International academic exposure
- Expert instruction from leading scholars
- Practical institutional learning
- Exposure to European governance structures
- Networking with global professionals
- Advanced training in geopolitical governance issues
The interdisciplinary structure of the program makes it especially valuable for those pursuing careers in:
- International organizations
- Public policy
- Governance
- Diplomacy
- Parliamentary affairs
- Human rights
- International law
- Political analysis
- Security studies
Application Process
To apply for the program, applicants must submit:
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A motivation letter in English
Applications should be sent via email to: summerschools@elgs.eu
Applicants are encouraged to clearly demonstrate their academic achievements, professional experience, and motivation for participating in the program.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2026 Summer Program is:
30 May 2026
Applications submitted after the deadline may only be considered if spaces remain available.
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
Discover more Global Scholarship Opportunities on OFY here.
