This exceptional issue of the Common Market Law Review 2026, 63(1) responds to the unprecedented political and geopolitical challenges currently facing the European Union and liberal democracies worldwide.
The contributors, leading scholars, many of whom are affiliated with the College of Europe, reflect on urgent questions such as the rise of authoritarianism and geopolitical instability, the EU’s protection of democracy, and European integration. Here are a few examples:
- Michael Dougan, Christophe Hillion, ‘Adapt or perish: Reviving the EU’s raison d’être‘ @
- Inge Govaere, ‘On EU values and the open strategic autonomy paradox: Revisiting the EU as a global actor’ @
- Adam Łazowski, ‘Balancing on a tightrope: Pre-accession policy and the pursuit of EU values’ @
- Sacha Garben, ‘Does the Court care about the coalface? The European Social Model and the continued Constitutional Imbalance between ‘market’ and ‘social’ values’ @
- Allan Rosas, ‘Defending EU values: Mission impossible?’ @
The full special issue (22 articles) is now available through the Library’s online resources here.
We encourage you to read, reflect, and engage critically with the ideas presented. In challenging times, informed debate and scholarly reflection are more important than ever.