02 February 2026, MPIL Heidelberg

The Max Planck Masterclass 2026 will take place from 26 to 29 May 2026 at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg, Germany. This edition will be dedicated to the theme “Hegel and EU Law” and will be taught by Ana Bobić.

Over the course of four days, the Masterclass will focus on the question of what it means to study European Union law from a Hegelian perspective, exploring the relevance of Hegel’s thought for contemporary legal and constitutional theory and for the critical analysis of European integration.

Overview

Hegel is one of the most influential philosophers of German idealism and a central figure of the Enlightenment. His work has profoundly shaped political philosophy and legal theory. However, his presence in European Union legal studies has so far been limited.

The aim of this Masterclass is to explore Hegel’s philosophical system through questions related to European integration and scholarly work in EU law. To this end, each day will be structured around the reading of an excerpt from Hegel alongside an interpretation, in order to address a specific question concerning the European Union.

What is the Max Planck Masterclass?

The Max Planck Masterclass is an intensive academic format addressed to researchers in law and related disciplines. It combines guided readings of classical texts with contemporary debates and case analysis, within an international setting that fosters academic exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Each day is dedicated to a specific thematic focus, bringing together philosophical theory and European Union law.

Structure and sessions

The Masterclass will be organised around the following sessions:

• Session 1: What is a Hegelian methodology? Forms of knowledge
• Session 2: Mutual recognition and the question of freedom
• Session 3: Hegel’s civil society and the state
• Session 4: Hegel’s bureaucracy and the universal estate

Each session combines philosophical reflection and legal analysis, addressing issues such as forms of knowledge in EU law, freedom and mutual recognition, the relationship between the market and society, and the critique of European bureaucracy.

Call for participants

All interested persons are invited to submit an application. Applications must be submitted via the online platform and include:

• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of motivation

The application deadline is 22 March 2026.

Young scholars’ workshop

Looking for Hegel in EU Law Research

In addition, participants may apply to take part in a young scholars’ workshop dedicated to the presentation and discussion of research projects related to the theme of the Masterclass.

Applicants wishing to be considered must submit an abstract of up to 500 words with their application. Selected participants will later be asked to submit an outline of 5 to 10 pages and to prepare a comment on the work of another participant.

The workshop is open to projects that address European Union law in historical, political, economic, social, or cultural context, and that reflect on the methodological and disciplinary challenges of legal research.

Important dates

• Application deadline: 22 March 2026
• Masterclass: 26 to 29 May 2026
• Location: Heidelberg, Germany

Additional information

Further information and application process

For further information about the Masterclass and the application process, please consult the official channels of the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law.

Contact:
masterclass2025@mpil.de
www.mpil.de