Workshop on the Move in Strasbourg

Between 2–6 March 2026, the Central European Academy organised its Workshop on the Move study trip in Strasbourg, offering junior researchers an intensive and inspiring professional experience at the European Court of Human Rights.

At the centre of Europe’s human rights landscape, the programme provided participants with a unique opportunity to experience the European system of fundamental rights protection from the inside. Over these dynamic days, academic excellence met institutional insight, creating an environment where theory and practice truly converged.

The workshop began at the European Court of Human Rights with a distinguished lineup of speakers who shared their expertise on the Court’s functioning and evolving case-law. Participants had the privilege of attending lectures delivered by Judge Lətif Hüseynov, Judge Mykola Gnatovskyy, Judge Vasilka Sancin, Judge Saadet Yüksel, Judge Lado Chanturia, and Judge Davor Derenčinović. The programme was further enriched by contributions from Yann Souppart, Head of the ECtHR Library, who provided insights into the Court’s research resources, as well as János Nagy, who offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on the functioning of the Court. Together, these sessions provided rare, first-hand insights into key legal concepts shaping contemporary human rights jurisprudence and the daily operation of the institution.

One of the highlights of the programme was attending a Grand Chamber hearing in the case of Tergek v. Türkiye. Observing the Court in action provided an exceptional insight into judicial proceedings at the highest European level, bringing legal theory to life in a truly compelling way. Beyond the courtroom, participants explored the broader European institutional landscape through a guided visit to the European Parliament, further enriching their understanding of how legal and political dimensions interact within the European framework.

A defining feature of the workshop was the active role of the Academy’s junior researchers, who presented their doctoral research on a wide range of human rights topics. These sessions fostered vibrant academic dialogue, encouraging critical thinking, exchange of ideas, and cross-border collaboration among emerging scholars.

The programme also included a visit to the Court’s library, offering participants dedicated time for individual research in one of Europe’s most important legal knowledge hubs.

Combining high-level professional insight, academic exchange, and international experience, the Strasbourg study trip proved to be more than a workshop — it was a milestone in the professional journey of our young researchers. A truly memorable encounter with European human rights in practice.