Centre for European Legal Studies

The Law School’s Centre for European Legal Studies is one of the oldest of its kind in the UK. It provides a focus for the teaching and research of both European Union and Comparative Law in the Law School with involvement from members of staff at both our Exeter and Cornwall campuses. The director of CELS is Professor Leone Niglia.

The Centre for European Legal Studies (CELS), was established within the Faculty of Law in 1972 to promote research into questions of European Law, to evaluate its effects in the United Kingdom and other Member States, and to provide a focus of information and communication in this area.

CELS has close ties with the Centre for European Governance at the University of Exeter, also based in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Associated members of staff publish regularly in leading academic journals in the field. CELS organises regular events about recent developments in European law such as conferences, workshops and case law briefings.

European Documentation Centre

The Law Library at the University of Exeter is officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Documentation Centre, and holds a comprehensive research collection including most official publications of the European Institutions.

The Library's online services provide access to all official European databases, particularly Europa and Eur-Lex, which contains all EC legislation, court reports and current official documents. A wide range of subscription databases is also available, including LexisNexis Butterworths, Westlaw and European Sources Online.

Lectures and events

Under the Centre’s auspices the annual Lasok Lecture is held to which eminent guest speakers are invited.

CELS also organises an annual tour of the European institutions (in Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Brussels) for postgraduate students. Visits include the Council of Europe, European Court of Human Rights, European Commission and the European Parliament.

CELS regularly hosts workshops, seminars and symposia on topical issues of EU Law and Policy. Details here.

The Lasok lecture 25 March 2010

Professor Andrea Biondi from King’s College London delivered this year's prestigious Lasok lecture. The lecture can be viewed again as it was recorded using our video conferencing facilities.