Sustainability and Consumer Protection
6 – 10 July 2026
(arrival on 5 July and departure on 11 July)
Registration is open until 12 June 2026.
ECTS credits: 3 ECTS credits for active participation
Price: € 400 per participant
You may use Erasmus+ funding for your participation within the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) framework. In this case, please make sure to verify with your home university that you are eligible for the Erasmus+ grant and that your institution can nominate you by 17 April 2026.
Price includes:
- Academic programme enrolment
- Reading and welcome pack
- Interactions with special guests and lecturers
- Small refreshments during breaks
- Field trip to Ecological Center Sluňákov and rafting (a very calm, slow-flowing river suitable even for non-swimmers)
- Exciting social activities
Contact: Martin Verner: martin.verner@upol.cz
Programme details:
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 consumer rights in order to promote sustainable lifestyles.
Throughout the week, participants will engage with a wide range of topics, including digital overconsumption, greenwashing (UCPD and dark patterns), product repair and passenger rights, as well as theoretical debates on the reduction of growth and sustainable consumption.
There will be a strong focus on real-world applications, enabling participants to analyse regulatory enforcement mechanisms, assess corporate sustainability claims and propose solutions to contemporary legal challenges. The programme also includes a final moot court simulation, in which students can apply what they have learnt over the preceding five days.
The summer school will be led by Assoc. prof. Blanka Vítová and Dr. iur Rita Simon (Palacký University in Olomouc, Faculty of Law) alongside distinguished experts, including:
- Assoc. prof. Monika Jagielska – University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Law and Administration
- Assoc. prof. Candida Leona – University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Law, Department of Private Law
- Assoc. prof. Zsolt Hajnal – 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
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 raft trip to a nature reserve will offer participants a first-hand perspective on environmental conservation. These immersive experiences will complement classroom discussions, fostering a practical and interdisciplinary approach to the topic.
The summer school will also feature informal networking activities, including an intercultural welcome dinner where participants are invited to bring a specialty from their home country to share, as well as a discussion evening designed to connect with peers and professionals in a relaxed atmosphere.
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.