Modern, international, and open – this is how Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) was experienced by Prof. Dr. Stefan Haack, a visiting professor from the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder). This university is a member of the European Reform University Alliance ERUA, of which MRU has been an active partner since 2023.

The professor came to Vilnius through a 2025 mobility scheme funded by the Lithuanian national support scheme, which supports visits of foreign lecturers and practitioners. During his stay, he delivered lectures to MRU students on topics related to constitutional law and theory, held a public lecture for the academic community, and engaged in meaningful conversations with colleagues from Lithuania.

“The students were very engaged and genuinely interested – teaching here was a real pleasure,” says Prof. Dr. Haack, expressing his appreciation not only for the professional welcome he received but also for the sincere collaboration with colleagues at MRU’s Law School.

In a short but insightful interview, the professor shares his academic interests, impressions from the visit, views on international cooperation, and his hope to return to Vilnius soon – not just as a guest, but as a long-term partner.

– How would you describe your experience with MRU students, study programmes, and the overall academic atmosphere?

– My lectures at MRU were a great experience that I found very enriching. MRU is a modern and lively university with many international students. The students in my courses were very engaged and interested. That's why it was a great pleasure for me to teach here.

– Could you briefly tell us what you taught during your visit and what teaching methods you used?

– I gave five lectures on current topics in constitutional law and constitutional theory. These covered topics such as party bans and human dignity, but also the relationship between domestic constitutional courts and the European Court of Justice. There was also a public lecture on the problem of the state of emergency in German constitutional law and in the European Convention on Human Rights. Students received comprehensive lecture notes covering the main content of each lecture.

– What are your main academic or research interests, and did you find any potential for collaboration with MRU faculty?

– My research focuses in particular on the theoretical foundations of public law in Germany and Europe, with an emphasis on constitutional law. At MRU, I met several colleagues who are also interested in these topics. I am confident that we will stay in touch. We will certainly invite each other to conferences.

– Do you see any areas of synergy or shared vision for future cooperation between your home university and MRU?

– I very much hope that we will be able to deepen and expand cooperation between our faculties in the coming years, whether within the framework of the ERUA network or beyond. Further student exchanges could be an important step. I have also communicated this to our dean. I am always willing to contribute personally and would be delighted to return to Vilnius.

– What are your current or upcoming research projects, and how might international cooperation play a role in them?

– I am currently writing the first volume of a comprehensive monograph on “European Constitutional Theory,” which deals with central constitutional issues of the European integration process. The book is expected to be published in 2026. International exchange is essential for this project. In addition, I plan to publish the five lectures I gave at MRU in the form of a small monograph.

– What was your impression of Lithuania and MRU as an academic institution after this visit?

– As I am very interested in scientific exchange with Central and Eastern European countries, I have already gained some experience with similar collaborations. In comparison, the exchange with MRU has been one of my best experiences. It is a modern and internationally oriented university. My Lithuanian colleagues welcomed me with open arms and provided me with professional support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them once again.

– What advice would you give to other colleagues considering a short-term teaching visit at MRU or elsewhere?

– I will strongly recommend a teaching visit at MRU to my colleagues. I will add that they should allow themselves plenty of time for this, as there is so much to discover in Vilnius and the surrounding area.