IEL in Padova for BIP: Social Rights in Europe
Ondrej Blažo, Dominika Krištofičová, Vanda Peťková, Tomáš Žifčák, 28.9.2026-2.10.2026, Padova, BIP Social Rights in Europe
From 28 September to 2 October 2026, the University of Padova hosted the international Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) Social Rights in Europe. The Institute of European Law of the Faculty of Law, Comenius University Bratislava, was represented by Prof. Ondrej Blažo and PhD students Tomáš Žifčák, Dominika Krištofičová and Vanda Peťková.
The programme, organized by Prof. Bernardo Cortese from the University of Padova, was the first in a series of three interconnected educational programmes developed through cooperation between the University of Padova, Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 and Comenius University Bratislava. The cooperation will continue with subsequent programmes in Lyon in winter and Bratislava in spring 2027. Prof. Gaëlle Marti and Prof. Loïc Robert are involved in organizing the Lyon programme.
The five-day programme addressed current challenges concerning the protection of social rights in Europe, focusing on the social dimension of European integration, the regulation of platform work, the housing crisis, structural inequalities, non-discrimination, disability rights and the protection of cultural heritage. Lectures and academic discussions featured Prof. Catherine Barnard (University of Cambridge), Dr. Virginia Passalacqua (University of Turin), Prof. Alessio Sardo (University of Genoa), Prof. Delia Ferri (Maynooth University), Dr. Simona Pinton and Dr. Mariavittoria Catanzariti (University of Padova).
The programme also included a seminar on academic research, legal academic writing and the preparation of academic presentations, featuring Prof. Catherine Barnard, Prof. Bernardo Cortese and Prof. Ondrej Blažo.
The educational programme combined academic lectures with interactive seminars, group work and practical activities. Participants had the opportunity to discuss the housing crisis with a representative of the City of Padova, explore inclusive practices in university museums and examine issues relating to cultural heritage within the university's historic buildings.
The programme provided a valuable opportunity for international academic discussion, the exchange of experience and the development of cooperation among the partner universities. The outcomes of the group activities and the academic contacts established during the week will also contribute to the continuation of the programme in Lyon and Bratislava.