2025 European Visits: Highlights from Luxembourg
This post was written by Rabiah Tariq, a member of the Inn, who recently attended our European Visit to Luxembourg.
This June, I had the privilege of joining Lincoln’s Inn’s annual European Visit to Luxembourg, home to both the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and the EFTA Court. The three-day programme brought together Student members and early-career barristers to gain insight into the workings of Europe’s most influential legal institutions and to meet those who shape their jurisprudence day to day.
Day 1 – The Court of Justice of the European Union
Our visit began at the Court of Justice of the European Union, where we were welcomed by court officials who guided us through the Grand Chamber, the library, and several hearing rooms. Seeing the Court in person, a place I had only encountered through case law and textbooks, was an unforgettable experience.
We attended a live hearing, which offered a rare opportunity to watch advocates and government representatives argue before the Court. Observing the judges’ questions and the structured submissions made abstract doctrines like direct effect and proportionality feel immediate and alive.
After the hearing, a référendaire spoke with us about the Court’s internal workings, from the multilingual drafting process to the balance between legal precision and accessibility. The afternoon continued with small group discussions led by EU law practitioners on topics such as infringement proceedings, state aid, and climate litigation within the EU framework.
That evening, we gathered for dinner in the city centre, reflecting on how the CJEU continues to shape legal developments across Europe, even beyond the EU’s borders.
Day 2 – The British Ambassador’s Residence
The following morning, we visited the British Ambassador’s Residence, where Her Excellency the British Ambassador to Luxembourg kindly hosted us. The discussion focused on the United Kingdom’s evolving relationship with the EU after Brexit and how diplomacy and law continue to intersect in maintaining cooperative relationships.
The conversation was refreshingly candid, touching on legal diplomacy, mutual recognition agreements, and how British lawyers continue to engage with European institutions. A networking reception followed, giving us a chance to speak with Embassy staff about their work and the varied pathways into international public service.
That afternoon, a few of us took time to explore Luxembourg’s old town, wandering through its winding streets and hilltop views. The contrast between the medieval fortifications and the glass buildings of the EU institutions seemed to mirror the city’s role as a meeting point of legal tradition and modern governance.
Day 3 – The EFTA Court and Moot
Our final day was spent at the EFTA Court, where we observed a moot competition between members of the group. The problem concerned free movement and proportionality under the EEA Agreement, a fascinating exercise that highlighted the interplay between EFTA and EU law.
After the moot, we met a Judge and members of the Court’s legal staff for a Q&A session. They spoke about the EFTA Court’s relationship with the CJEU, the doctrine of homogeneity, and how the Court ensures consistency while maintaining independence. Hearing from the judges directly was both inspiring and humbling, offering a real sense of the intellectual rigour that underpins European judicial dialogue.
We closed the day, and the trip, with a short reflection session, sharing key takeaways and thanking the Lincoln’s Inn staff and accompanying Benchers who made the visit possible.
Reflections
The Luxembourg visit was a truly memorable experience. It offered a perfect balance of legal insight, professional development, and cultural exploration. I left with a deeper understanding of how European law operates in practice and how closely law and diplomacy intertwine.
For anyone interested in EU or international law, or in understanding how large judicial systems operate behind the scenes, I would wholeheartedly recommend applying for future European visits organised by Lincoln’s Inn.