The winning dissertations introduce a variety of topics. From privacy rights and artificial intelligence to the EU’s international relations with Latin America. The bachelor’s students have been awarded 200 euros and the master’s students 400 euros.
We introduce them:
Universidad de Zaragoza
The award for the best Master’s dissertation at the Universidad de Zaragoza was presented to Elena Cisneros for her thesis, Opinion on the limits of the right to privacy in the context of investigations and the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to process personal data. Defended at the Faculty of Law, her research explores the intersection of public international law and the digital age. Elena, who holds a Master’s in Legal Practice, focuses her work on human rights protection and new geopolitical challenges.
Pedro Contín received the award for best undergraduate dissertation for his study, The new legal framework of the European Union on migration: advances and challenges in the Regulation on Migration and Asylum Management and the Control Regulation. A Law and Business Administration graduate from the Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro has been active in various international organisations. His work reflects a deep interest in diplomacy, geopolitics, and European policy-making.
Université Savoie Mont Blanc
The prize for the best Master dissertation is awarded to Julia Gaimard for her dissertation The external action of the European Union. A legal analysis of international agreements concluded with Latin America. The paper receives the award, among other reasons, for its timely focus: since the EU concluded the agreement with Mercosur, strengthening its international relations with Latin America after 25 years of negotiations. However, the agreement has generated strong internal division within the European Union, especially due to its impact on the agricultural sector.
Universidad Pública de Navarra
The award for the best master’s dissertation goes to Marta Valencia for her work entitled Protecting the rights of LGTBIQ+ people against discrimination. The thesis receives the award for its commitment to equality, inclusion, and the values of the European Union: the recognition of the rights of the LGTBIQ+ community has been a claim that has caused a change in society and, consequently, a necessary legislative evolution. It analyzes the work done by European institutions in the fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, highlighting the work of the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights.
The award for the best final degree project goes to María Ramírez for her thesis The museum travels to the classroom: heritage education in early childhood education. This dissertation explores the value of cultural heritage as an educational tool in the early stages of school. From a point of view that understands heritage as something alive and in constant change as our society. The results reflect significant learning and underlines the value of a constant collaboration between the school and the museum.
Università di Torino
The Università di Torino has awarded its best Master’s dissertation prize to Law student Saaidou Maryam. Her work, Between National Law and European Union Law: The Legitimacy of Golden Passport Schemes, examines how citizenship-by-investment programmes impact EU values and fundamental rights. By analysing the tension between state sovereignty and supranational law, the study offers a timely reflection on the future of European citizenship, a legal status that translates into concrete prerogatives, such as freedom of movement, the right of residence, and political participation.
The award for best undergraduate thesis was presented to Zahidi Abdulhamid. His dissertation, The Impact of EU Law on Migrant Workers’ Rights: A Comparative Study, critically examines the legal protection of migrants within the context of European integration. Drawing on his personal journey as a refugee, Zahidi explores how migration has bolstered the EU economy while highlighting challenges like underemployment and discrimination. The study includes a comparative analysis of rights in Germany, Italy, and France, stressing the need for equal opportunities. Ultimately, the work underscores the fundamental belief that every individual deserves dignity, safety, and the chance to build a better life.
Università di Brescia
At the Università di Brescia, the prize for the best Master’s degree dissertation is awarded to Beatrice Ferremi, who graduated in Law, for her dissertation Adequate minimum wage and youth employment, noted for its analytical and bibliographic rigour. The issue of minimum wages raises fundamental questions concerning labor law, social equality, and the protection of the most vulnerable workers. This thesis aims to analyze the opportunity to introduce an adequate minimum wage in Italy, in light of the wage and systemic crisis that the country is currently experiencing.
Universitatea de Vest din Timisoara.
The Master’s degree dissertation award at the Universitatea de Vest din Timișoara was presented to Andreea Bianca Laici, a student of European Union Law, for her work Constructing and Deconstructing Pluralism. A Case-Law Analysis of the European Court of Human Rights. Her research demonstrates how pluralism sits at the intersection of European identity and human rights, linking Strasbourg and Luxembourg case-law to highlight the shared fundamental values that unite European legal orders.
Finally, Horea-Avram Ardelean, a Law student at the same institution, received the award for best undergraduate dissertation for his study on The Rule of Law Crisis in Poland in the CJEU Jurisprudence. A Case-Law Study. Analysing the Court of Justice jurisprudence and Articles 2 and 19 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), as well as Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU), his work examines how the Court intervened to protect judicial independence during recent reforms, clarifying the role of the Charter in upholding democratic foundations.
In this way, the dissertations of the awarded students contribute to a deeper understanding of European Identity and Citizenship across our universities and territories. By exploring diverse aspects from a critical perspective, these works help to enhance the inclusive values of European identity and citizenship.
