Target group
This intensive programme addresses all public sector employees, who are in charge of or involved in the transposition of EU law and/or preparing the defences of Member States in all stages of the infringement procedure, irrespective of the level of government or origin of the case (i.e. national, regional and local level). The programme is also relevant to private practicing lawyers, consultants and other interested actors from the private sector, who wish to update their knowledge of the infringement procedure and obtain a comprehensive overview.

Description
As ‘Guardian of the Treaties’, one of the tasks entrusted to the European Commission by Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union is to oversee the application of EU law. The infringement procedure – articles 258-260 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union – is one of the enforcement mechanisms that can be applied by the Commission against a Member State whenever the Commission is of the opinion that the Member State is in breach of its obligations under Union law.
The programme not only provides a practical overview of the infringement procedures, the role of the Commission and the position of the Member States, it also provides practical guidance on how to avoid a Court Case and possible defences.

Learning Methodology
Presentations, workshops and case studies. All sessions include Q&A sessions and the possibility to share experiences.

Objectives
The objective of this workshop is to improve the Member States’ capacity to respond – and the quality of responses – to Commission investigations of potential infringements initiated.