Source: European Central Bank (video statements)
The panel examines the role of the legal services of the EU institutions in building EU autonomy. Considering that the EU paradigm of autonomy is based on law, institutions, and international cooperation, the legal services of EU institutions have to take into account different perspectives. They need to advise in line with domestic law—and in a context where legal challenges are not typical, this role is more important. They need to be vigilant to protect the independence of their institutions, and in a non-majoritarian populist context, that might be a significant challenge on its own.
They also need to ensure the respect of international norms and the infrastructure of global cooperation. All this while addressing new problems that require new solutions. This panel will discuss the role and challenges of legal services in combining this triad of perspectives.
Panellists:
• Daniel Calleja Crespo, Director-General of the Legal Service, European Commission
• Freddy Drexler, Jurisconsult, European Parliament
• Lucía Arranz, Director of Legal, Banco de España
• Yan Liu, General Counsel, International Monetary Fund
Chair: Chiara Zilioli, Director General of Legal Services, European Central Bank
Watch other sessions from the 2025 ECB Legal Conference “Building Europe’s Autonomy: Law, Institutions, Cooperation”: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnVAEZuF9FZm3BYRQdFyj1vvCrJfZ-mrM
See the conference programme here: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/conferences/html/20250901_7th_ECB_legal_conference.de.html