The University of Salzburg is currently hosting the international summer school “Intensive Summer Course on Economic and Monetary Union & Defence”, which officially began on 6 July 2026. The programme is organized by the Department of Legal Theory, International and European Law. 

Bringing together distinguished experts from European institutions, academia, and legal practice, the one-week course offers an in-depth exploration of the evolving relationship between Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and European security and defence policy—an issue of growing importance in today’s geopolitical landscape. 

Participants engage with a diverse and forward-looking programme covering topics such as the Common Foreign and Security Policy, the financing of European defence, the role of the European Central Bank, and key developments in EU economic governance and budgeting. Particular emphasis is placed on the increasing interdependence between economic integration and Europe’s security challenges. 

Throughout the week, high-level speakers from institutions including the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, the European Central Bank, the European Parliament, and leading research centres offer first-hand insights into current developments and future policy directions. 

Designed for an international audience of students, early-career researchers, and practitioners, the summer school provides a unique platform for dialogue, networking, and interdisciplinary exchange at an advanced academic level. 

The programme will conclude with a high-level roundtable discussion and a keynote address reflecting on the future of EMU in the context of a stronger European defence policy. This final session on Friday, 10 July is open to all interested members of the university community and external participants. Attendance is possible both in person and  online via Microsoft Teams.

The summer school forms part of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence “EUCHALLENGES”, a project co-financed by the European Union, underscoring PLUS’s strong commitment to excellence in European studies and international academic cooperation. 

More information on the Summer School.