Can you introduce yourself?
I came to the Netherlands over 20 years ago, as an exchange student, to study European law. After obtaining my law degree from Cluj-Napoca (Romania), I returned to the Netherlands for a Master’s in international and European legal studies and later completed a PhD on EU merger control, both at Utrecht University.
Since 2010, I have been working at Radboud University, where I am currently an Associate Professor of European law. I teach both Bachelor’s and Master’s courses in EU law, with a primary focus on competition law and EU internal market law: “European competition law and evolving markets" and “Substantive Law of the EU”.
Additionally, I frequently teach similar courses as a visiting professor, most recently at the University of Parma and Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. Beyond academia, I occasionally contribute to projects such as assessing the implementation of EU directives or serving as a non-governmental advisor to the European Commission.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
I am fascinated by the interaction between different areas of law. My interest in European law began during my undergraduate studies, at a time when Romania was contemplating joining the EU. Back then, I was particularly intrigued by how EU law shapes the national legal order during the accession negotiation process.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and I remain captivated by the dynamic between EU and national law, though from different perspectives. For example, the multi-level enforcement system that EU competition law is based on brings about interesting issues, ranging from institutional cooperation between the Commission and national authorities, to pre-emption mechanisms regarding the substantive application of EU and national competition norms, and to intricate procedural and sanctioning mechanisms in different jurisdictions.
Adding to this complexity are modern challenges such as digitalisation, sustainability, and globalisation, which further shape the interaction between institutions, objectives, legal mechanisms, and regulatory approaches. Understanding this evolving legal landscape is crucial to addressing contemporary issues effectively.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
EU competition law is a highly dynamic field, with authorities actively enforcing both EU and national rules. National and EU courts frequently hand down significant rulings, shaping its development. I consider myself fortunate to work in such a stimulating area of law.
Aligned with my broader interest in the interaction between different areas of law, my current research focuses on the interaction between traditional competition law instruments and connected novel instruments, such as the Digital Markets Act and the Foreign Subsidies Regulation.
I am also a co-author of the European competition law textbook used by most law schools in the Netherlands. Now in its second edition, the book places the link between EU and national competition law at the heart of its analysis. Additionally, I serve as a co-editor of the forthcoming Encyclopaedia of competition law, a major project featuring approximately 300 entries contributed by over 150 authors from around the world.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
Make choices that will enable you to thrive in diverse work environments. In other words, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. The labour market is dynamic, and adaptability is key. Developing expertise across multiple, interconnected legal fields will make you a more versatile professional. Aim to build a coherent professional profile — one that tells a compelling and well-rounded story.
What is the best part of working with students?
I love being in the classroom. Engaging with students, especially in an international setting, is incredibly rewarding. It is always fascinating to see how students from different legal backgrounds approach similar challenges.
European law evolves rapidly, so my teaching often changes from year to year. I consider students’ feedback — both on what I teach and how I teach it — an essential factor in shaping my lectures and tutorials. The rewards of teaching are both meaningful and motivating. It’s gratifying to witness the progress students make during the one-year Master’s programme — how their legal argumentation becomes more structured and eloquent, and how their reasoning sharpens and grows more critical.
And speaking of rewards, few things are as fulfilling as seeing our alumni plead major cases before the EU courts — cases that may very well shape the future of European law for decades to come.