Representatives from law schools across Europe gathered at the University of Glasgow on 17th April 2026 for the annual meeting of the Rotterdam Law Network (RLN), focusing on the future of internationalisation and student mobility in legal education.
Opening the meeting, Professor Jim Murdoch from the University of Glasgow Law School highlighted the anticipated return of the United Kingdom to the Erasmus+ programme in 2027. Glasgow representatives confirmed that the university is preparing its ECHE application and aims for half of all undergraduate law students to gain international experience in the future.
This news is very welcome because in the last years there was a noticeable decline in Glasgow law students choosing to study abroad, whereas before up to 75 per cent of students gained international experience through a combination of government-supported mobility schemes and Erasmus+ funding. He stressed the importance of rebuilding enthusiasm for exchanges and international cooperation.
Regardless of Erasmus+ funding, many institutions reported a general decreased motivation of students in studying abroad, not only linked to financial pressures but also accommodation shortages, language barriers, and increasingly rigid degree structures. At the same time, several universities noted growing success with alternative forms of internationalisation, including Blended Intensive Programs (BIPs), short-term exchanges and visiting lecturer initiatives.
Delegates from Aix-Marseille University, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Erasmus University Rotterdam, University of Girona and University of Zagreb discussed rising teacher mobility and new English-taught courses aimed at both exposing more students to international perspectives and attracting more international students. Several universities also described efforts to develop joint degree programs and strengthen partnerships beyond the European Union.
Representatives from University of Belgrade spoke about ongoing political unrest affecting Serbian universities and delays in government funding for student exchanges, while delegates from non-EU institutions such as Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje outlined the additional challenges they face in accessing Erasmus+ funding.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of best practices on outgoing student allocation, orientation programs for international students, and ways to encourage students to consider less traditional destinations. RLN members also discussed how to strengthen the network itself, including possible procedures for welcoming new partner universities and maintaining active participation among members. The Rotterdam Law Network was established 31 years ago through the initiative of the Erasmus School of Law and currently comprises 35 European Law Schools. It is currently chaired by Prof. Leonie Reins. The next meeting will be held in April 2027 at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Thanking all attendees, the organizers of Erasmus School of Law and the Glasgow hosts, the meeting closed after a day of fruitful discussions.
Campus tour at Glasgow University during the Rotterdam Law Network Meeting 2026
Attending members were from law schools of the following universities:
- Aix Marseille University
- Eotvos Lorand University
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Glasgow University
- Lund University
- University College Cork
- University of Belgrade
- University of Bergen
- University of Girona
- University of Konstanz
- University of Lisbon
- University of Skopje
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- Aix Marseille University
- Lund University
- University of Zagreb
- Masaryk University Brno
