The main part of the teaching activities forming the Jean Monnet Module MAC-EUPACT is integrated into the course on European Union Law (Master Degree in Law), taught by the Module Coordinator, Prof. Simone Marinai.
This is an institutional course which, in its first part, aims to provide the basic notions relating to the European Union legal order and, in its second part, to explore the mechanisms of accountability within the EU legal system, with specific reference to EU policies on migration and asylum and to the New Pact on Migration and Asylum.
During the 2025/2026 academic year, the teaching activities carried out within the Jean Monnet Module consisted of 36 hours of lectures delivered by the Module Coordinator between 18 March and 12 May 2026. The lectures examined both the institutional foundations of the European Union legal order and the judicial and non-judicial accountability mechanisms applicable to the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
The Module was complemented by a dedicated Cycle of Seminars delivered by leading scholars and practitioners, organised separately (see the dedicated webpage for further details).
Teaching period: from 24 March to 13 May 2026
The topics covered during the Module are set out below.
PART I – THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF THE EU PACT ON MIGRATION AND ASYLUM
Lecture 1
The conclusion of international agreements by the European Union. Sources of secondary EU law and the legal instruments adopted under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Lecture 2
Regulations, directives and decisions. Implementing the regulations adopted under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. Legislative and non-legislative acts.
PART II – JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN EU MIGRATION AND ASYLUM LAW
Lecture 3
The Court of Justice of the European Union and the judicial mechanisms of accountability.
Lecture 4
Infringement proceedings and Member States’ accountability in the implementation of EU migration and asylum law.
Lecture 5
Actions for annulment (I): reviewable acts and judicial review of the EU–Turkey Statement.
Lecture 6
Actions for annulment (II): standing, pleas in law and the effects of judgments. The relocation judgments.
Lecture 7
Actions for failure to act and non-contractual liability of the European Union. Recent Frontex litigation.
Lecture 8
Preliminary rulings (I): subject matter of the reference and the concept of a national court or tribunal.
Lecture 9
Preliminary rulings (II): the obligation to refer, exceptions and the effects of preliminary rulings.
Lecture 10
The advisory jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
PART III – THE RULE OF LAW, FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND THE PRIMACY OF EU LAW
Lecture 11
The common values of the European Union. Article 2 TEU, Article 7 TEU and the Charter of Fundamental Rights in migration and asylum law.
Lecture 12
The principle of the primacy of EU law and the dialogue between the Italian Constitutional Court and the Court of Justice.
Lecture 13
The principle of the primacy of EU law: further developments and applications.
Lecture 14
The direct effect of EU law and its relevance for the judicial protection of individuals.
Lecture 15
The direct effect of EU law: further developments.
Lecture 16
Consistent interpretation and State liability for breaches of EU law.
PART IV – NON-JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN EU MIGRATION GOVERNANCE
Lecture 17
Political and financial accountability in EU migration and asylum policies. The European Parliament, the LIBE Committee, the Schengen and Borders Scrutiny Working Group, the European Court of Auditors and OLAF.
Lecture 18
The externalisation of EU migration and asylum policies. The Italy–Albania Protocol and recent developments in the case-law of the Court of Justice.
For a detailed record of the lectures delivered within the course, including dates and topics, see the official University of Pisa lecture register.
