PROGRAMMES
EU ENERGY LAW: INTERNAL MARKET AND COMPETITION, REGULATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
On-site programme: 7–11 September 2026
Virtual component: 1–3 September 2026
Organisation: Faculty of Law
Venue: Maribor
ECTS: 3
The importance of energy and energy law, and benefits of the summer school
In today’s world, the field of energy stands at the very center of individual life, society, the economy, and environmental protection and nature preservation. Sustainable development is inseparably linked to energy, and this connection is increasingly reflected in the legal sphere as well. Energy law is emerging as a distinct and coherent legal discipline that requires both intra‑disciplinary and inter-disciplinary approaches.
We have observed that traditional study programmes often do not yet include energy law to a sufficient extent. If you are interested in energy law and related fields, this summer school may offer you a valuable introduction to selected topics in energy law — and perhaps even serve as the first step toward a successful career in this rapidly developing field.
A warm welcome to the summer school!
About the programme
The programme is designed to offer insight into key questions of the internal energy market, competition, regulation, and sustainable development in the energy sector. These pillars include content presented in a clear and accessible way, allowing even newcomers to the field of energy law to follow with ease. The programme provides a well‑balanced combination of lectures, individual work, and group work in workshops. In addition, numerous social events are included, aimed at networking and enjoyment.
One of the highlights — combining learning, socializing, and fun — is the visit to the Krško Nuclear Power Plant.
About the lecturers
Your principal host and mentor will be Prof. Dr. Aleš Ferčič, one of Slovenia’s leading experts in energy law and policy. Additional lectures will be delivered by professors and teaching assistants from the Faculty of Law and the partnering Faculty of Energy Technology, both part of the University of Maribor.
The learning experience will be further enriched by contributions from distinguished international scholars and practitioners who will share their expertise and insights with the participants. Among them are visiting professors from partner universities, judges serving at the Court of Justice of the European Union, representatives of regulatory authorities. Practical perspectives will be provided by experts from power plant facilities.
Target audience
The primary target audience is law students; however, students of other fields of study, such as energy technology, economics, and ecology, who would like to understand the legal and regulatory foundations of the EU energy sector, are also invited.
What will you do?
- Attend lectures on selected topics in the virtual and on-site parts of the programme.
- In the individual work, you will read the materials from the assigned reading list.
- In the workshops, you practice teamwork, share knowledge and exchange ideas.
- Prepare a paper on the assigned topic.
- Take part in excursions and social events.
What will you gain?
- Acquire information on special issues of EU energy law in the context of internal (energy) market and competition, regulation, and sustainable development.
- Understand the complexity of the energy sector.
- Get familiar with the real cases processed by the CJEU.
- Ability to draw conclusions to complex questions and foresight into different scenarios.
- Gain skills of interpretation of solutions and/or challenges that lie ahead.
- Enhance your social network.
Memorable experience
The University of Maribor, Faculty of Law, will invest efforts to provide a unique experience for the students. Students will attend lectures and engage in individual work/reading, collaborate in workshops and discussions about the state of play in the field of EU energy law, the present situation and possible future scenarios.
Also, social events will be organized. For example, field excursions to energy plants will be organized, including the excursion to the Nuclear Power Plant in Krško, which will offer an exciting experience and the opportunity to discuss the potential and future importance of nuclear energy. On top of that, we plan a trip to the oldest town in Slovenia – Ptuj, where we will visit a renowned wine cellar.
About the venue
Maribor is the second-largest city in Slovenia; with 150.000 inhabitants, it is still relatively small but big enough to offer plenty of opportunities for joyful experiences. According to the leading tourism platform European Best Destinations, Maribor has been nominated for the title of Best Wine Capital of Europe 2026, recognized for its exceptional winegrowing tradition, the world’s oldest noble vine, its authentic character, and its high-quality wine, culinary, and cultural offer.
Maribor stretches across rolling vineyard hills, the green forests of Pohorje, and the unique heritage of the World’s Oldest Grapevine.
More in Visit Maribor: https://www.visitmaribor.si/en/
Source: www.Slovenia.info
The Slovenian Styria region (Štajerska), of which Maribor is the centre, was voted Europe’s third-most-desirable destination in 2026.
Main building of the University of Maribor
Source: https://www.um.si/en/o-univerzi-en/zgodovina/
Near Maribor lies Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia. Ptuj is rich in cultural heritage and full of opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
Source: https://www.gov.si/en/news/2025-10-09-ptuj-is-the-best-cultural-heritage-town-in-europe-for-2026/
Application deadline: 1 June 2026
The instructions for application are available in this document.
Contact
Jasmina Klojčnik, jasmina.klojcnik@um.si
The programme is organised as an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme. Students are entitled to an Erasmus+ scholarship for participation in the programme. You can find more information here.
