Contemporary Issues in Environmental Law

Necessity of the program

The program aims to provide specialized knowledge and practical skills in critical areas of national and EU environmental law. Its topics cover the general principles of environmental law, environmental licensing and (strategic) environmental impact assessment (SEA/EIA), the protection of biodiversity and the Natura 2000 network, waste management and the circular economy, the protection of the seashore, the coastal zone and the marine environment, water protection, forest legislation, environmental management systems (EMAS, ISO, Ecolabel), environmental justice, environmental liability, as well as air protection and industrial emissions.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, trainees will be able to:

• define and describe the basic concepts, principles and sources of national, EU and international environmental law;
• recognise the institutional and regulatory framework governing environmental protection and sustainable development;
• explain the functioning of environmental permitting procedures, the Natura 2000 network and protected species;
• apply the basic principles of waste law and the circular economy to real-world cases;
• assess issues of protection of the seashore, the beach, the marine environment and the waters;
• interpret the institutional framework for the protection of forests and forest ecosystems;
• explain the functioning and importance of environmental management and certification schemes;
• analyse the rights of access to information, public participation and access to justice under the Aarhus Convention;
• assess the environmental liability regime and the principles of prevention and remedying of environmental damage;
• analyse the regulatory framework for air protection and industrial emissions;
• resolve practical legal issues of environmental law on the basis of legislation and case law;
• critically approach contemporary environmental challenges in the light of sustainable development, climate change, and environmental justice;
• identify, assess and interpret environmental laws and regulations;
• use the case law of national and international courts to resolve environmental issues;
• adapt professional practices to the requirements of environmental legislation and sustainable development;
• document legal opinions, administrative acts and policy proposals on environmental issues;
• present complex environmental and legal issues in a professional and administrative context in a clear and scientifically sound manner;
• address issues of compliance with the law and support public consultation and public participation processes on environmental issues;
• carry out basic legal and regulatory research to support decisions in public bodies, businesses and organisations;
• develop interdisciplinary approaches to address complex environmental challenges;
• become autonomous/independent in approaching complex environmental legal issues;
• take a critical approach to the ethical and social implications of environmental governance;
• integrate the principles of sustainability into legal and professional practice;
• challenge and evaluate existing regulatory frameworks in an evidence-based manner;
• discuss and synthesize opinions in interdisciplinary environments (legal, technical, administrative);
• reflect on the consequences of legal and political choices on the environment and society;
• communicate complex legal and environmental issues clearly to niche and non-niche audiences;
• adapt to changing legislative and administrative requirements.

Who is the program for:

The program aims to acquire up-to-date knowledge, practical skills, and critical thinking so that learners can effectively apply environmental law in professional and administrative settings. Expected learning outcomes include interpreting and applying environmental legislation, assessing environmental impacts, managing environmental liability issues, and complying with modern environmental governance standards.

The innovative character of the program lies in the approach that combines legal, technical and administrative dimensions of environmental protection, as well as its focus on current issues. The educational process utilizes international and national literature, analysis of national and EU case law, and the solution of practical problems.

The program differs from existing educational activities through its holistic approach to environmental law, which helps strengthen environmental awareness that should govern every modern citizen, as well as sustainable development.

The program is aimed at graduates and professionals who are active or interested in specializing in the field of environmental law and governance in Greece or abroad. In particular, it is aimed at lawyers, legal scholars, judicial officers, environmentalists, public administration and local government executives, business and organization executives, researchers, PhD candidates, as well as graduates of related scientific fields (e.g. engineers with basic knowledge of environmental law)

A prerequisite for participation is knowledge of English at least B2 level, which does not need to be proven, as long as the trainee can effectively meet the requirements of the program in order to receive the relevant training certificate or certificate of attendance.

For successful completion, it is required to attend the training modules and fulfill the prescribed educational obligations of more than half of the program.

Categories of accepted candidates – Prerequisite knowledge

The program is aimed at graduates and professionals who are active or interested in specializing in the field of environmental law and governance in Greece or abroad. In particular, it is aimed at lawyers, legal scholars, judicial officers, environmentalists, public administration and local government executives, business and organization executives, researchers, PhD candidates, as well as graduates of related scientific fields (e.g. engineers with basic knowledge of environmental law). A prerequisite for participation is knowledge of at least B2 level English, which does not need to be proven, as long as the student can effectively meet the requirements of the program in order to receive the relevant training certificate or certificate of attendance.

Methodology for the implementation of the programme

Synchronous and asynchronous distance learning

Educational material/Other benefits

Trainees are provided with notes, a bibliography list, case law and an open-access bibliography.

Structure of the program

1. Introduction – General Principles of Environmental Law

Teaching Hours: 3

Total Hours: 5

Credits: ECTS 0.1

Short description: Presentation of the subject, the main sources and the evolution of Environmental Law at national, EU and international levels. Analysis of the fundamental principles of Environmental Law, in particular the prevention principle, the precautionary principle, the principle of sustainable development and the principle of environmental integration. Overview of the relationship between Environmental Law, administrative law and the protection of fundamental rights.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the module, trainees will be able to:

• recognize the main sources and levels of regulation of Environmental Law;
• understand the content and legal function of the basic principles of Environmental Law;
• distinguish between the precautionary principle and the precautionary principle;
• identify the link between environmental protection and administrative law and fundamental rights.

2. Environmental Assessment and Permitting

Teaching Hours: 2

Total Hours: 6

Credits: ECTS 0.3

Short description: Analysis of the legal framework of (strategic) environmental impact assessment and environmental permitting of projects and activities. Presentation of the main steps of the process, the responsibilities of the administrative authorities, public participation, legal requirements and judicial protection. Overview of the relationship between environmental assessment and the protection of protected areas and the requirements of EU law.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the module, trainees will be able to:

• describe the key steps in the environmental assessment and permitting process;
• recognise the basic legal obligations of the management and the project operator;
• identify key deficiencies in the permit-granting process and understand their consequences;
• understand the role of judicial protection in the control of environmental permits.

 

3. Coast Protection and the Marine Environment

Teaching Hours: asynchronous education

Total hours: 3

Credits: ECTS 0.1

Short description: Presentation of the national, EU and international legal framework for the protection of the marine and coastal environment. Examination of the status of the seashore and beach, the restrictions on development and anthropogenic interventions, the protection of coastal ecosystems and the environmental protection obligations in the marine environment.

Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the module, learners will be able to:

• recognise the basic legal framework for the protection of the coastal and marine environment;
• distinguish the protection status of the seashore, the beach and the coastal ecosystems,
• identify key legal constraints on coastal and marine projects and activities;
• understand the relationship between environmental protection, spatial planning, and coastal space uses.

4. Water Protection, Flood Management Plans

Teaching Hours: asynchronous education

Total Hours: 2

Credits: ECTS 0.1

Short description: Examination of the legal framework for water protection and management, with emphasis on the Water Framework Directive and the prevention and management of flood risks. Presentation of the River Basin Management Plans and the Flood Risk Management Plans, as well as the obligations of the competent authorities.

Learning outcomes: Learners will be able to:

• recognise the basic principles of water protection law;
• understand the legal function of River Basin Management Plans and Flood Risk Management Plans;
• identify the basic obligations of the administration for the prevention and management of flood risks;
• relate water management to environmental protection and the sustainable use of natural resources.

5. Protection of Forest Ecosystems

Teaching Hours: 1

Total hours: 4

Credits: ECTS 0.3

Short description: Presentation of the constitutional and legislative framework for the protection of forests and wooded areas. Examination of the restrictions on uses and interventions, the legal characterization of forest areas, the relationship between forest protection and spatial planning, as well as the relevant administrative and jurisprudential protection.

Learning outcomes: Learners will be able to:

• recognise the key sources of forest protection law;
• understand the special constitutional protection status of forest ecosystems;
• identify the main limitations to interventions in forest areas,
• understand the role of the case law of the Council of State in the protection of forests.

6. Biodiversity Protection

Teaching Hours: 2

Total Hours: 4

Credits: ECTS 0.1

Short description: Examination of case law and the national and EU framework for the protection of biodiversity and habitats and species. Presentation of the Natura 2000 network, the specific protection regimes and the appropriate assessment of the impact of plans and projects in protected areas. Analysis of the relationship between biodiversity protection and environmental permitting.

Learning outcomes: Learners will be able to:

• recognise the basic legal framework for the protection of habitats and species;
• understand the functioning and legal significance of the Natura 2000 network;
• analyse the basic conditions for an appropriate impact assessment in protected areas;
• identify the relationship between biodiversity protection and environmental permitting.

7. Waste and Circular Economy

Teaching Hours: 2

Total Hours: 5

Credits: ECTS 0.1

Short description: Presentation of the EU (Waste Framework Directive) and national waste law, and the basic concepts of prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery. Analysis of the waste hierarchy, the “polluter pays” principle, the extended producer responsibility scheme and the modern legal tools for the transition to a circular economy.

Learning outcomes: Learners will be able to:

• recognise the basic principles and categories of waste law;
• understand the legal significance of the waste hierarchy;
• distinguish between the basic obligations of producers, holders and waste managers;
• explain the link between waste law and the circular economy;
• identify key EU policy tools for waste prevention and resource efficiency.

8. Environmental Management and Certification Systems

Teaching Hours: asynchronous education

Total Hours: 2

Credits: ECTS 0.1

Short Description: Introduction to the legal and regulatory framework of environmental management and certification systems. Presentation of basic tools for compliance, environmental audits, documentation and monitoring of environmental performance, with reference to ISO 14001, ECOLABEL, and EMAS systems.

Learning outcomes: Learners will be able to:

• recognise the key features of environmental management systems;
• understand the functioning of ISO 14001, ECOLABEL and EMAS;
• understand the relationship between environmental management, compliance and environmental performance control,
• utilize basic concepts of environmental certification in the context of environmental compliance of organizations and businesses.

9. Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters

Teaching Hours: 1

Total Hours: 6

Credits: ECTS 0.1

Short description: Examination of the three pillars of the Aarhus Convention and the corresponding national and EU law: access to environmental information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice. Analysis of the rights of citizens and environmental organisations, as well as the basic mechanisms of administrative and judicial protection.

Learning outcomes: Learners will be able to:

• recognise the content and scope of environmental information and participation rights;
• understand the basic obligations of public authorities;
• identify the conditions for access to justice for citizens and environmental organisations;
• assess the importance of procedural environmental rights for effective environmental protection.

10. Air Quality Protection and Industrial Emissions

Teaching Hours: asynchronous education

Total Hours: 3

Credits: ECTS 0.1

Short description: Presentation of the legal framework for the protection of the atmosphere and the reduction of air pollutants. Examination of industrial pollution and emissions obligations, permitting and monitoring requirements, and the interaction of air pollution law with the protection of public health.

Learning outcomes: Learners will be able to:

• recognise the main categories of legal arrangements for the protection of the atmosphere;
• understand the key obligations of businesses and public authorities to control emissions;
• link industrial emissions to environmental permitting and monitoring requirements;
• understand the legal link between air quality, environmental protection and the protection of human health.

11. Environmental Liability and Remedying Environmental Damage

Teaching Hours: 1

Total Hours: 3

Credits: ECTS 0.1

Short description: Examination of environmental liability law and mechanisms for preventing and remedying environmental damage. Presentation of environmental liability conditions, prevention and remediation obligations and the role of competent authorities in dealing with environmental damage.

Learning outcomes: Learners will be able to:

• understand the basic concept of environmental damage and environmental liability;
• recognise the conditions for activating prevention and rehabilitation mechanisms;
• distinguish between the prevention of environmental damage and its remedy;
• understand the role of the responsible body and the competent administrative authority in the restoration process.

 

Obligations of trainees/Obtaining a Certificate

For the successful completion of the program, participants should:

1. A) have attended all the teaching units. Absences may not exceed 15% of the prescribed hours of training.
2. B) have successfully completed the evaluation, submission of written assignments, oral presentation, final written examinations.
3. C) to have paid the full tuition fees.

Upon successful completion, the program provides a Certificate of specialized training, lasting 43 hours, corresponding to 1.5 ECTS credits.

Participants who have attended the program without having exceeded 15% of the prescribed hours of training in absences, have paid the full tuition fees, but have not succeeded in the evaluation process provided by the program, are issued a certificate of attendance.

 

The evaluation of the trainees is continuous and final, and is directly linked to the program’s learning outcomes and teaching methodology. It includes written assignments for each thematic unit, which must be submitted on time to be accepted for grading. This will be followed by a final written exam remotely with development and/or multiple-choice questions. Students should succeed in all educational activities at a rate of at least 50%. There is no possibility of a re-examination for those who do not achieve the prescribed base, unless the inability is due to duly proven health reasons or another impediment that is proven to constitute force majeure.

 

Trainers

• TRAINER/RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PREPARATION OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL: Styliani Christoforidou, Assistant Professor at the Democritus University of Thrace, with long experience in Constitutional Law and Environmental Law, Head of the Journal “Environment and the Law”.

– Scientific and Academic Coordinator

–Teaching: Thematic Unit 1

• TRAINER/RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PREPARATION OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL: Ifigeneia Tsakalogianni, Lawyer and PhD Researcher (Belgium/Netherlands) specializing in Environmental Law. Researcher in the field of Environmental, European and Administrative Law. Head of the National Case Law Column of the Journal “Environment and the Law”.

–Teaching: Thematic Units 2-5, 8, 10-11

• TRAINER/RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PREPARATION OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL: Ariti Tsoukala, Lawyer specializing in Environmental Law. Columnist in the field of Environmental, European and Administrative Law. Head of the EU Case Law Column of the Journal “Environment and the Law”.

–Teaching: Thematic Units 6-7, 9

 Participation fee

The participation fee is €450. This amount is paid in a lump sum until the first day of the start of the program.

Its payment is a prerequisite for participation in the program.

 

Payment Instructions

The tuition fees will be deposited by the trainees through a personal debt ID (RF code), which will be sent to the email address they stated in their application from the mody@rescom.duth.gr email address. Trainees from abroad will be informed by the program managers about the payment method for tuition fees.

In case of an unexpected impediment to attending the program, a refund is provided, as long as this is declared in the calendar before the start of the program.

 

Selection criteria – Evaluation of applications

The maximum number of admissions to the program is set at 50, and the minimum is 20.

For the evaluation of applications and the selection of candidates, a strict time priority is observed based on the application’s submission time.

Submission of applications and supporting documents

Applications open: 16/9/2026

Application deadline: 12/10/2026

The electronic application serves as a Solemn Declaration in accordance with par. 4 of article 8 of Law 1599/1986. With their application, the candidate unreservedly accepts all the terms of the program, as they are mentioned in the public invitation/study guide of the program, in the study regulations and in the regulation of operation of TLLC-DUTH (https://kedivim.duth.gr/operfr/)

The required supporting documents that the candidate must submit for participation in the Program are:

1. Copy of ID card/passport
2. Copy of degree

Objections will be accepted no later than 5 days after the list of admissions is posted.

In the event that the minimum required number of trainees is not reached, the Scientific Coordinator reserves the right to change the program’s start date or cancel it, informing the trainees in advance.

Contact

For more information, those interested can contact the teaching team at environmental.law.duth2026@gmail.com.

Modules attached