Sustainability and Consumer Protection

About

The summer school on Sustainability and Consumer Protection in the EU offers an in-depth exploration of the intersection between sustainability and consumer protection in the European Union, focusing on policy developments, legal frameworks and practical applications. The program is designed for law students and other interested participants who seek a deeper understanding of how EU regulations shape sustainable consumption, corporate responsibility, and consumer rights.
Throughout the week, participants will engage with key legal instruments, such as the right to repair; complex product safety issues, air passengers' rights, and e-commerce regulations (including UCPD and dark patterns); contract law topics covering unfair terms and consumer sales, as well as theoretical debates on the image of the consumer and consumption reduction; the private international law aspects of sustainability, sustainable consumption, and production; and a comparative analysis of greenwashing versus enhancing sustainability through contract law.
A strong focus will be placed on real-world applications, enabling participants to analyze regulatory enforcement mechanisms, assess corporate sustainability claims, and propose solutions to contemporary legal challenges. The program also includes guest lectures from legal practitioners, policymakers and consumer advocates, providing insights into the evolving regulatory landscape.
In addition to structured academic sessions, the program will feature on-site experiential learning activities. Participants will visit an ecological education center, where they will take part in an interactive sustainability-focused tour, exploring best practices in environmental protection, circular economy models, and responsible consumer behavior. A field trip to a nature reserve or sustainable innovation hub will offer participants a first-hand perspective on environmental conservation and the role of law in promoting sustainable practices. These immersive experiences will complement classroom discussions, fostering a practical and interdisciplinary approach to the topic.
The summer school will be led by Assoc. Prof. Blanka Vítová (Palacký University in Olomouc, Faculty of Law) and dr. Rita Sik-Simon (Palacký University in Olomouc, Faculty of Law) alongside distinguished experts, including:
- Assoc. Prof. Monika Jagielska, PhD, DLitt – University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Law and Administration
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zsolt Hajnal, PhD – University of Debrecen, Faculty of State and Law, Department of European Law and International Law
- Jie Ouyang, LL.M, MA – University of Groningen, Law Faculty
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. István Erdös – ELTE Budapest, Faculty of State and Law, Department of Private International Law and European Economic Law
The summer school will also include informal networking events, such as a welcome dinner and a discussion evening with industry experts, providing opportunities for participants to engage with peers and professionals in a more relaxed setting.
By the end of the course, participants will have developed a comprehensive understanding of EU consumer protection and sustainability law, strengthened their critical thinking and legal reasoning skills, and gained practical experience in addressing complex legal issues in this field through a combination of academic, practical, and experiential learning activities

Course leader

Assoc. Prof. Blanka Vítová (Palacký University in Olomouc, Faculty of Law) and dr. Rita Simon (Palacký University in Olomouc, Faculty of Law)

Fee info