Beka Kantaria, Professor of Caucasus International University participated in the international scientific conference organized by the Venice Commission under the auspices of Mr. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
On October 14, 2024, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice of San Marino hosted the International Scientific Conference titled “Aspects of Constitutionalism in Small-sized States” in the Republic of San Marino, led by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. The conference brought together professors of constitutional law and political science from European countries, Venice Commission members, chairpersons of constitutional courts, and professors from leading European universities. On the recommendation of academician Mindia Ugrekhelidze, Beka Kantaria, head of the Scientific-Research Institute of Constitutional Democracy at Caucasus International University, participated at the event on behalf of the university. The business trip was jointly sponsored by the Venice Commission and Caucasus International University.
Three panels explored the functioning of governmental institutions in small European states, the separation of powers, the implementation of European standards for judicial independence, and electoral systems within the framework of the conference. The discussions also highlighted the challenges that small-sized states face in various constitutional matters.
The conference opening ceremony featured speeches from Luca Beccari (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Political and International Economic Cooperation and Digital Transition of San Marino), Stefano Canti (Minister of Justice), Gianni Buquicchio (President Emeritus, Special Representative of the Venice Commission), Giuseppe de Vergottini (Emeritus Professor at the University of Bologna), and Elisa Bertolini (Professor at Bocconi University, Milan).
At the conference several lengthy presentations were made by: Giovanni Canzio, Head of the National Court of the Republic of San Marino and First Emeritus President of the Italian Court of Cassation (Constitutional Systems and Rule of Law in Small-Sized States); Bertrand Mathieu, Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Law, Sorbonne University-Paris 1 and member of the Venice Commission (The Challenges of the Constitutional Systems in Small-Sized States - the case of Monaco); Pere Vilanova Trias, Emeritus Professor of the University of Barcelona and member of the Venice Commission in respect of Andorra (Elections in Small-Sized States – aspects of participatory democracy – with a focus on Andorra); Nicola Muccioli, President of MONEYVAL (European Small-Sized States from the Perspective of MONEYVAL); Panagiota Vatikalou, GRECO bureau member (The Experience of GRECO concerning European Small-Sized States); Francesco Depasquale, President of the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) (The Interactions between CEPEJ and European Small-Sized States); Fabio Giovagnoli, Deputy Head of the National Court of the Republic of San Marino and the member of the Venice Commission in respect of San Marino (Introducing and Implementing Judicial Reforms in Small-Sized States - The Case of San Marino); Hilmar Hoch, President of the Constitutional Court of Liechtenstein (The Role of Superior Courts in Ensuring Judicial Independence in European Small-Sized States – with a focus on Liechtenstein); Michael Frendo, Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and member of the Venice Commission in respect of Malta (Safeguarding the Independence and Impartiality of Judicial Institutions in Small-Sized States – the case of Malta).
Recently, the unique characteristics of the constitutional systems of European small-sized states have grabbed the attention from theorists and practitioners of constitutional and international law. The distinctiveness and individuality of these small-sized states, in contrast to the constitutional paradigms of larger democracies, highlight the need for focused studies on the specific nuances of their constitutionalism. The conference was organized specifically to recognize the significance of this context and its unique challenges. It is expected that this event will further stimulate scientific and practical interest in this emerging and vital topic, which holds particular significance for Georgia.
We do believe that the participation of Caucasus International University representatives in this conference will significantly advance the scientific study of the unique features of constitutional systems of European small-sized states in Georgia. This engagement opens promising prospects for rapid development in addressing the latest constitutional issues in our country.
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The official closing ceremony for conference participants was held at the government residence in San Marino.
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