Expertise in European Law and Policy

Dr Niels Kirst, LLM (Paris)

Assistant Professor of European Law at Dublin City University
Deputy Director of the DCU Brexit Institute
Investigator in Horizon Europe REGROUP, EXPRESS2 and PROSPER

• Expertise: EU law and the relationship between the European Union and other (non-EU) States (such as the UK, and Switzerland)
• Consulting: Available for policy briefings, expert consultations, and advisory work on EU institutional law, rule of law governance, and EU-UK/EU-Swiss relations.
• Media appearances: I am happy to share my expertise with the wider public and contribute to an informed audience. I am used to give interviews, speak before audience, and being on camera.
• Teaching requests: I am happy to share my expertise with students in guest lectures.
• Community building: I am open for edited volumes, collaborations, or other academic opportunities.

I am an EU law expert bridging academic research with parliamentary, judicial, and private-sector policy experience. I am an Assistant Professor of European law at the School of Law and Government of Dublin City University (DCU). My main research interest lies in European law, the rule of law, EU-US comparative law, law & technology, trade law, geopolitics & foreign affairs. I am Deputy Director of the DCU Brexit Institute and Investigator in the Horizon Europe REGROUP, Express2 and PROSPER projects. I worked as a parliamentary assistent at the German Bundestag, at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg and I am currently residing as a guest researcher at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. Moreover, I teach master-level courses in EU law, EU Institutional Law and EU Law & Brexit. I have published several peer-reviewed articles, books, book chapters, and op-eds. I have regular media appearances and I am a commentator on RTÉ Brainstorm, the European Correspondent, and Legal Tribune Online (LTO).

Contact

Consulting

Teaching

Research

Engagement

Welcome

What I am Doing

Welcome to my official website. I am an Assistant Professor of European Law at Dublin City University (DCU). My website serves as a gateway to explore European law and gain insights into the complexities of the European Union's legal system. Moreover, I am sharing my expertise, research and teaching in the field of European Law.

Through my research, and consulting I developed a profound understanding of the relationship and cooperation between the European Union with European States that are not part of the European Union (such as the UK and Switzerland). I am available for policy briefings, expert consultations, and advisory work on EU institutional law, rule-of-law governance, and EU–Swiss/EU–UK relations.

Please feel free to reach out regarding any media or teaching request. I am happy to share my expertise with students and the wider public and contribute to an informed audience.

As an Assistant Professor of European law, I am passionate about exploring different dimensions of the European legal landscape. Through this website, I aim to provide valuable resources, engage in scholarly discussions, and share my expertise on various aspects of European law and the relationship with other European States.

Furthermore, I aim to build a community of like-minded individuals who share an interest in European law and the European Union in general. As such, I encourage open discussions and collaborations to promote a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the European Union (such as competitiveness, security & defense and the green deal).

I invite you to read my latest publications, and stay updated on upcoming events and conferences. Feel free to reach out for any inquiries, collaborations, or opportunities for academic exchange.

Areas of Interest

Through my research, I endeavor to contribute to crucial areas of European law. I aim to foster an informed understanding of the legal complexities of the European Union, promote critical dialogues, and address contemporary challenges, such as the rule of law crisis, trade and technology regulation and security & defense.

The Rule of Law Crisis within the EU

The rule of law is a cornerstone of the EU (Art. 2 TEU), ensuring fundamental rights, democratic principles, and an independent judiciary. My research investigated the rule of law crisis within the EU, examining the challenges faced and potential offered. I published my findings in the monograph Dealing with Rule of Law Crises in the EU (Hart 2026).

Trade and Technology Regulation

In an interconnected world, trade and technology play increasingly defining roles in shaping the EU's economic landscape. In my research, I analyze the complexities of EU trade policies, international agreements, and the regulation of new technologies (such as AI), providing insights into evolving trade relations and digital governance within the EU.

Geopolitics and Foreign Policy

The European Union's role in the global arena is a focal point of my research. I analyze the EU's foreign policy, security challenges, and interactions on the international level. I aim to illustrate how the EU can navigate the geopolitical landscape while safeguarding its interests. In 2027, I have a forthcoming edited monograph, titled Research Handbook on the Law of European Defense Policy (Edward Elgar 2027).

Conferences, Guest Lectures and Events

I actively participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops, where I engage with scholars and policymakers. This section serves as a hub for updates on my academic endeavors, speaking engagements, and forthcoming publications.

European Union Studies Association (EUSA)

May 2022, Miami, United States

In May 2022, I participated in the 17th Biennal Conference of the European Studies Association (EUSA) in Miami, Florida. Engaging with American scholars on highly interesting research topics in EU law and politics was an immense pleasure. Furthermore, I was immensely grateful that my conference contribution was shortlisted for the Best Paper award.

University of Parma

December 2024, Parma, Italy

In December 2024, I taught a course on European Fundamental Rights and Values at the Fondazione Collegio Europeo di Parma in Parma, Italy.

Teaching and engaging with a young and ambitious cohort of international students was a true pleasure. The focus of the course was on the protection of the rule of law in the Member States of the EU.

ELGS Summer School

July 2024, Athens, Greece

In July 2024, I was a guest lecturer at the ELGS Summer School of the European Public Law Organization for international students on the topic of EU Enlargement after the War in Ukraine.

It was a true pleasure engaging with the curious students from CEE countries on questions of enlargement, security and the future of the European Union.

ESADE Business & Law School

October 2022, Barcelona, Spain

In October 2022, I was invited to teach a guest lecture at Esade Law School together with Filippo Mattioli.

I taught an introduction to EU competition law to the students, focusing on competition law’s role in the digital economy, the foundations of EU competition law and the newly enacted Digital Markets Act (DMA).

University of Toulouse

October 2022, Toulouse, France

In October 2022, I had the chance to teach a seminar at my alma mater - the Université Toulouse I Capitole.

Together with Nickolas Ask, we could present our vision for a reform of the European judicial system. Additionally, I could speak on the first proceeding under the new rule of law Conditionality Regulation against Hungary and what it means for the rule of law protection in Europe.

Cork Online Law Review

February 2022, Cork, Ireland

In February 2022, I contributed to the Cork Online Law Review with a blog post on the rule of law crisis in the European Union. This was a great pleasure and engagement which I did immensely enjoy. Moreover, I was grateful that my contribution was awarded the Best Blog Award.

CEELI Institute

September 2021, Prague, Czech Republic

In September 2021, I had the pleasure to hold a guest lecture on the EU’s rule of law crisis at the CEELI Institute's online course on “EU Law and Human Rights”.

The audience were merely legal scholars, practitioners, and activists from central and eastern European countries (CEE).

DLPR's Annual Conference 2020

March 2020, Dublin, Ireland

In March 2020, we (Dublin Law and Politics Review) held a digital conference on different aspects of the rule of law. Discussing Rule of Law challenges at the Court of Justice of the European Union, but also going beyond and talking about health policy and the Rule of Law. Discussants from the European Commission joined the conference.

Trinity College Law School Colloquium

February 2020, Dublin, Ireland

In February 2020, I had the great pleasure of giving a presentation at the Law School Colloquium of Trinity College Dublin. During the Colloquium, I met excellent scholars and participated in highly interesting panels.

In my presentation, I discussed the response of the Court of Justice of the European Union to the rule of law crisis in the Member States of the European Union. With a specific focus on the cases of C-619/18 and C-192/18.

I was awarded the Best Paper Award of the Colloquium with my contribution.

My Publications

Here, you will find thought-provoking articles, research papers, and publications, exploring topics ranging from EU institutions and policies to the protection of fundamental rights. Whether you are a legal scholar, a student, or simply an enthusiast of European affairs, this platform caters to your interests and provides valuable insights into the EU's legal and political intricacies.

Establishing a Link between Solidarity and Responsibility – The Court’s Judgement on the Conditionality Regulation

Irish Journal of European Law (IJEL)

with Beatrice Monciunskaite

Vol. 24, pp. 203-215, November 2022

Rule of Law Conditionality: The Long-awaited Step Towards a Solution of the Rule of Law Crisis in the European Union?

European Papers

Vol. 6, pp. 101-110, 22 April 2021

The Perspective from Luxembourg: How Does the European Court of Justice Respond to The Rule of Law Crisis Within the Member States?

Trinity College Law Review

Vol. 23, pp. 108-128, 20 March 2020

Firearms Regulation in the European Union: Striking a Delicate Balance Between Single Market and Security

Fordham International Law Journal (FILJ)

Vol. 43, pp. 855-900, 1 May 2020

Segro and its Aftermath: Between Economic Freedoms, Property Rights and the Essence of the Rule of Law

Nordic Journal of European Law (NJEL)

with Xavier Groussot and Patrick Leisure

Issue 2019 (2), pp. 69 - 88, 6 January 2020

Reach out

Thank you for visiting. I hope you found this platform informative and intriguing in your journey into the world of European law. If you have ideas or thoughts for future collaboration, please reach out to me.