On March 21, 2025, Fudan University Law School welcomed a distinguished delegation from Erasmus School of Law, Erasmus University Rotterdam, comprising Dean Professor Harriët Schelhaas, Vice Dean Professor Fabian Amtenbrink, and Professor Li Yuwen, Director of the China Law Centre. The guests were received by Professor Zhang Naigen, Vice Dean Professor Du Yifang, Professor Chen Li, Director of the International Exchange Committee, Associate Professor Ge Jiangqiu, Assistant Dean for International Affairs, and Ms. Yu Shu from the International Affairs Office.

During the meeting, the two institutions held in-depth discussions on strengthening academic ties. Topics included expanding student exchange programs, launching a dual-degree initiative, and deepening cooperation in legal education and research. The meeting was chaired by Associate Professor Ge Jiangqiu.

Vice Dean Du Yifang opened the session with a warm welcome, emphasizing Fudan Law School has continuously upheld the values of openness and collaboration since the establishment of its legal education program in 1914. She noted that since China’s reform and opening-up, Fudan University Law School has placed great importance on international cooperation, steadily expanding its global footprint.Vice Dean Du highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two institutions, which began in 2009 with the signing of their first student exchange agreement. Over the years, this partnership has yielded fruitful results and fostered mutual understanding. She noted that the newly signed dual-degree agreement would not only facilitate a deeper understanding of each other’s legal systems but also drive pedagogical innovation and collaborative research. Looking ahead, she stressed the increasing importance of transnational legal cooperation in a world where legal challenges frequently cross borders, and she expressed her confidence that both law schools will continue to leverage their strengths to address global legal issues together.

In her remarks, Dean Harriët Schelhaas expressed appreciation for Fudan’s warm hospitality and spoke highly of the significance of the renewed partnership. She noted the symbolic resonance of the meeting taking place in spring, a season of renewal and growth, and described it as both a continuation of friendship and a new beginning. Highlighting the shared identity of Shanghai and Rotterdam as sister cities and major global ports, Dean Schelhaas pointed to the natural synergy between the two institutions, both rooted in cities where law and commerce intersect. She expressed optimism that the two schools would open a new chapter in international collaboration.

During the exchange, Professor Zhang Naigen reflected on his longstanding academic ties with Erasmus School of Law, including joint seminars, edited volumes, and visiting scholar experiences. Vice Dean Fabian Amtenbrink shared fond memories of teaching at Fudan more than two decades ago. Professor Li Yuwen elaborated on the origins and objectives of the new partnership, while Professor Chen Li highlighted the schools' shared academic values and institutional histories, emphasizing their joint potential in nurturing future legal talent.

Subsequently, the two institutions signed the dual-degree agreement, marking a significant milestone in the deepening partnership between the two law schools.

Following the signing ceremony, Professors Schelhaas and Amtenbrink delivered a lecture titled “The Complex Relationship Between EU Law and the Law of Its Member States: The Example of Civil Law” as part of the 10th Landi Academic Luncheon at Fudan University Law School. The lecture was moderated by Associate Professor Shi Hongpeng, with Professor Zhang Naigen and Professor Chen Li offering comments. The event drew more than 50 attendees, including faculty members Professor Zhu Shudi, Associate Professor Lu Zhian, Associate Professor Ge Jiangqiu, and Junior Associate Professor Liu He.

In the lecture, Professor Schelhaas first introduced the basic situation of the Erasmus University Rotterdam School of Law, shared with the students its existing degree programmes, and welcomed Fudan students to study at Erasmus. Subsequently, Professors Amtenbrink and Schelhaas explained the operating mechanism of the EU legal system in a lively and clear manner. Based on a wealth of practical cases and the latest data on the EU legal system, the two professors analysed in depth the interaction between the domestic legal systems of EU member states and the EU's supranational legal order, starting with the field of civil law. They focused in particular on how the two legal systems integrate and influence each other, and provided unique and insightful perspectives on innovative institutional arrangements and practical experiences. The lecture not only demonstrated the complexity and uniqueness of the EU legal system, but also provided the participants with an important perspective on understanding the evolution of the legal system in the process of EU integration.

During the discussion session, Associate Professor Shi Hongpeng, Professor Zhang Naigen, and Professor Chen Li had further exchanges and discussions with Professor Schelhaas and Professor Amtenbrink on issues such as “the horizontal application effect of EU law”, “the feasibility of formulating a European civil code”, “the impact of EU countries’ participation in international treaties in the field of intellectual property on the application of rules”, and “the core values of EU law in the free movement of personnel, goods, services and capital, the integration process of the single market and its operating mechanism”. At the same time, the professors also gave detailed answers to the questions from the students present about how judges in the domestic courts of EU member states apply EU law.

The strategic partnership between Fudan University Law School and Erasmus School of Law exemplifies meaningful international academic collaboration. Since the initial student exchange agreement in 2009, followed by renewals in 2012, 2015, and 2018, the two institutions have continuously expanded their cooperation. Their exchange programs have enabled numerous students to gain global legal perspectives and academic enrichment. Over the past decade, the partnership has evolved into a multi-faceted collaboration in legal education and research. As one of the prestigious law schools in Europe and even the world, Erasmus School of Law provides Fudan students with access to world-class legal training. The new dual-degree agreement further elevates the partnership, fostering the development of globally competent legal professionals.