From Thursday, May 15, 2025, to Friday, May 16, 2025, the ENGAGE.EU doctoral seminar on the topic of "Constitutional Identity" took place at IIR. The event was organized by Prof. Dr. Monika Polzin, LL.M. (NYU) in cooperation with Prof. Cristina Fasone (Professor of Comparative Public Law at LUISS University in Rome), Prof. Ralf Müller-Terpitz (Chair of Public Law, Economic Regulation Law, and Media at the University of Mannheim), and Prof. Dr. Gerhard van der Schyff (Professor of Constitutional Law at Tilburg University). Doctoral students from various European universities participated in the seminar and engaged with different aspects of constitutional identity in Europe.The thematic range of the presentations spanned from classical constitutional law questions to democratic theoretical approaches, as well as current challenges in the context of digitalization and the relationship to international law.

Each contribution was commented on by one of the participating professors and supplemented with informed feedback. In addition, the other participants had the opportunity to ask in-depth questions and provide further perspectives in an open discussion round afterwards. Also, outside of the substantive program, the seminar provided space for exchange and networking: During shared lunches and dinners, the participants were able to engage intensively in discussions about their research projects and legal questions. A particular highlight was the closing evening in a traditional Viennese heuriger establishment, where an authentic insight into Austrian culture and hospitality was provided. Overall, the seminar was a great success and enabled participants to gain valuable scientific impulses as well as new contacts within the European research network Engage.EU.