Testimonials
Global politics and the politics of the European Union cannot be understood properly without a solid knowledge of the legal foundations.
- Programme
- European Law and Global Affairs
Henri de Waele is a professor at Radboud University.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Henri de Waele, I studied Dutch, international, and European law in Nijmegen and at the KU Leuven in Belgium. Since my graduation, I have always worked in academia, starting with a PhD, being appointed full professor at Radboud in 2013, and currently also holding a part-time position at the University of Antwerp. I also teach in external modules for e.g. the academy for government lawyers in The Hague. Students may inter alia encounter me in the introductory course on international law in the first year, and the Master's course on EU external relations law within the specialisation 'European Law and Global Affairs'. I have been enjoying the life of an academic for more than 22 years now, and feel that my job exactly matches with the talents I have been given.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
The relevance of European and international law is probably self-evident: many countries and individuals are affected by what goes on in these areas, and there are many new developments there practically every day. Global politics and the politics of the European Union cannot be understood properly without a solid knowledge of the legal foundations. Litigation and case law provide for exciting dynamics and special insight, and are perhaps underappreciated by the public-at-large, who may believe that lawyers only make life more complicated. The legal field is actually especially fascinating because it directly concerns real facts, real people, and very real opportunities for change.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
The first pillar of my research concerns EU institutional law in a broad sense, particularly the Union’s external relations, the design and functioning of the EU Court of Justice, as well as the effect of European norms in national legal orders, (instruments of) decision-making, democracy, and citizenship. The second one concerns the history of public international law, with a specific emphasis on the inter-war era (1919-1939), the League of Nations and the Permanent Court of International Justice.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
Do not worry too much about your job market perspectives - there are examples of students writing their final thesis on the law of the sea and ending up as a practising lawyer with a PhD in EU public procurement law. If you feel both EU and international law appeal to you, do not feel forced to drop the one or the other at a too early stage. Try to spend some time abroad, even if the curriculum makes that difficult - or pursue a subsequent degree after your first one. Do always look at the content, at what is actually on offer - sometimes you need not travel very far to find the best quality is right around the corner!
What is the best part of working with students?
Their curiosity and spectacular potential for personal growth - from knowing barely anything in the first year to becoming a fully-fledged expert at the end of their studies, even proving to be spectacularly helpful as student-assistants at my department in the meanwhile!
All courses encourage you to interact with a significant amount of literature, developing your analytical and academic reading skills.
- Previous education
- Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman
- Nationality
- Ukrainian
- Programme
- European Law and Global Affairs
- Study start date
- Study end date
Master's student Oleksandr Bulakh is studying European Law and Global Affairs at Radboud University.
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
The ELGA Master's programme at RU has already revealed what pure European education is, namely how material is presented, how students are engaged in a variety of activities, as well as providing me with more than sufficient facilities for studying. In contrast, my Bachelor’s programme lacked interactivity and a more student-friendly approach from the lecturers.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
The atmosphere in class is really pleasant. My fellow-students are usually open to teamwork and discussions and the lecturer is always trying to present the material in a way that everyone can understand, creating a comfortable environment and keeping students focused on a particular topic.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
I have noticed a stricter and simultaneously more efficient approach to evaluation, deadlines, and conditions for legal papers, for instance. All courses encourage you to interact with a significant amount of literature, developing your analytical and academic reading skills.
Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree? What are your plans once you have received your Master's degree?
A lawyer needs to have a sufficient educational background in order to have a good shot at a professional career and obtain a solid theoretical foundation. Dutch education provides a solid foundation for future prospects. Also, the ELGA programme will definitely help me determine which area of law to pursue and progress as a practitioner, as I am considering both public and private law.