Symposium: From better enforcement to better lawmaking

This symposium – organised by Utrecht Centre for Regulation and Enforcement in Europe (RENFORCE) as part of Legislation in an EU context and Towards successful enforcement of EU laws and policies – addresses questions with regard to the conceptualization of effective or ‘smart’ enforcement, as well as its current and future role in the EU lawmaking process. The guest lecture brings together EU and national, as well as academic and practice-oriented perspectives. The keynote speech will be delivered by Prof. Geert-Jan Veerman (Maastricht University). Dr. Mira Scholten (Utrecht University). Mr. Rob van de Westelaken (European Parliament), and ms. Anne-Jel Hoelen (Autoriteit Consument en Markt) will share their insights and experiences. 

In its Communication “Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers”, the European Commission underlines that ‘[t]he law is the EU’s best asset in delivering the benefits of the EU for people, businesses, and our environment’, and enforcing EU law is central to delivering those benefits. The Commission further acknowledges that enforcement of EU law, similar to better regulation, is a joint effort, and necessitates involving Member States and stakeholders. Effective enforcement should help achieve the aims of better regulation by ensuring compliance with regulatory aims, as well as feeding into ex post evaluations. 

Programme

13.30 WELCOME, COFFEE/TEA Chair: Prof. Ton van den Brink

14.00 INTRODUCTION Dr. Esther van Schagen

14.15-15.30 SESSION I

• 14.15 Key note address Better Enforcement, Better Legislation? A challenging correlation (if there is one) Prof. G.-J. Veerman, Maastricht University
• 14.45 Shifting the focus from responsive to preventive function in the enforcement of EU laws in policy-making, research and education? Dr. Mira Scholten, Utrecht University
• 15.15 Discussion

BREAK 15.30 - 15.45

15.45 – 16.40 SESSION II

• 15.45 [tbc] Reflections Mr. Rob van de Westelaken, European Parliament
• 16.05 [tbc] Reflections Ms. Anne-Jel Hoelen, Autoriteit Consument & Market
• 16.25 DISCUSSION

16.45–17.00 CLOSING Dr. Esther van Schagen

17.00 DRINKS

Registration for this hybrid event is required, see email address below. A small number can attend the symposium in person.