Course description

This advanced residential programme offers a deep dive into the latest developments shaping competition policy in Europe, placing a special spotlight on the transformative impact of new technologies, particularly AI, alongside evolving EU soft law trends, broader industrial policies and comparative insights from leading global jurisdictions.

Backed by over 15 years of excellence in executive education, the Centre for a Digital Society (CDS) is a recognised leader in competition law, economics, and digital regulation. Now in its sixth edition, the Autumn School brings together cutting-edge expertise and real-world perspectives through a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach that bridges theory and practice.

Participants will learn directly from leading academics, top practitioners, and senior experts from competition authorities, gaining insights that are both rigorous and immediately applicable. Designed for mid-career professionals, from in-house counsel and lawyers to economists, policymakers and academics, the course offers a unique platform to refine the knowledge base in competition law, while strengthening strategic thinking and practical skills.

Beyond traditional lectures, the programme envisages interactive online activities, hands-on group exercises and group discussions, ensuring an immersive and engaging learning experience. Not less crucially, it creates exceptional networking opportunities, connecting participants in a vibrant international community, both inside and outside the classroom.

All of this unfolds in an extraordinary setting: the historic Badia Fiesolana, a stunning 12th-century monastery overlooking Florence and home to the European University Institute.

Who should attend

The Autumn School caters to mid-career professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and practical skills in the dynamic fields of competition law and economics. Participants will have the unique opportunity to tap into the vast knowledge and academic excellence of distinguished instructors, empowering them to stay at the forefront of their respective industries. The course is particularly beneficial for:

• Officials from National Competition Authorities, government agencies, and regulatory bodies.

• Associates and partners in law firms specializing in competition law.

• In-house counsels managing competition compliance matters.

• Economic consultants specialising in industrial economics.

• Competition scholars, including doctoral researchers, post-docs, and professors.

• Advocacy officers focused on competition policy and regulatory affairs.

• Specialised journalists reporting for legal information providers.

For professionals seeking to expand their international network of connections within the competitive policy landscape, the ‘residential track’ of the Autumn School provides an ideal setting amidst the captivating beauty of Florence.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, you will:

• Elevate your expertise in EU competition law, gaining a robust understanding of its theoretical foundations, policy objectives and applicative criteria
• Sharpen your analytical edge, equipping you to confidently tackle complex cases and navigate real-world antitrust challenges in the age of AI
• Develop a strategic, interdisciplinary perspective on competitive dynamics, enabling you to deliver greater value and play a more profitable asset role within your organisation.
• Stay ahead of the curve with direct insights into the latest enforcement trends, regulatory developments, soft law initiatives and legislative updates.
• Engage with top-level peers, exchanging knowledge and perspectives with professionals from diverse industries and international backgrounds, increasing your knowledge base on competition law and policy from a multistakeholder perspective
• Grow a powerful professional network, building lasting connections with experts who share your ambitions and bring complementary skills.

Certification

Certificates

At the end of the course, participants who have regularly attended the Autumn School classes will receive a ‘Certificate of Participation’.

The certificates are granted by the European University Institute, a leading post-graduate research centre founded in 1972 by the Member States of the European Union.

Continuing Professional Development

The course’s final certificate can be recognised for training credits by legal professional bodies in Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Italy, and Ireland, depending on their individual accreditation processes.

Other countries

If you need assistance in liaising with your bar association for accreditation, please contact us at digital.society@eui.eu and we will assist with the process.

Information for applicants

The Florence Competition Autumn School covers both substantive and procedural aspects of competition law and economics with both frontal lectures and practical group exercises. In particular, the School includes frontal lectures and group exercises. Every class lasts 75 minutes: 60 minutes of presentation by the speaker + 15 minutes of Q&A session, in order to incentivize the interaction between the instructor and the participants. During the group exercises, participants will face mock dawn-raids, leniency applications and trials before the EU General Court.

Information for applicants

Accommodation

A limited number of rooms has been block-booked at Hotel Villa Bonelli at the confidential rates of €110 for a single room or €130 for a DUS room per night, including breakfast. To benefit from these rates, participants should book directly by email at info@hotelvillabonelli.com, indicating that they are attending the “EUI Autumn School 19-22/10/2026”. Please note that this block booking will remain available until 18 August 2026. After this date, bookings will be subject to availability and online rates.

Participants may also benefit from an agreement with Villa La Stella, which offers rooms at the confidential rates of €80 for a single room or €98 for a DUS room per night, including breakfast. To take advantage of these rates, participants should contact the hotel directly by email at info@villalastella.it, indicating the name of the event: “EUI Autumn School 19-22/10/2026”. Rates are subject to availability, and no specific booking deadline applies.

A third accommodation option is available at Hotel San Gallo, which offers rooms at the confidential rates of €180 for a DUS room or €190 for a double/twin room per night, including breakfast. To benefit from these rates, participants should contact the hotel directly by email at infosangallo@allegroitalia.it, indicating that they are attending the “EUI Autumn School 19-22/10/2026”. Please note that this block booking will remain available until 18 August 2026. After this date, bookings will be subject to availability and online rates.

For further accommodation options at preferential rates, please visit:
https://www.eui.eu/en/academic-units/robert-schuman-centre-for-advanced-studies/practical-information