The European Master in Law and Economics (EMLE) has operated for 35 years with a straightforward premise: understanding law and economics requires exposure to different legal and economic systems. The programme brings together ten universities across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, allowing students to study different legal traditions by applying different economic approaches. This global network makes EMLE one of the longest-running and most internationally diverse Erasmus Mundus programmes.
EMLE's Framework: A Global Consortium
Founded by Erasmus University Rotterdam, the University of Oxford, University Paris IX, and Ghent University, EMLE has grown into a global consortium. In addition to its founding members, the programme now includes partners across Europe as well as institutions in Israel, India, and the United States, bringing diverse legal and economic perspectives. By integrating non-EU institutions, EMLE broadens students' academic perspectives, expands research opportunities, and allows them to specialise in various legal-economic topics with a global viewpoint.
Why Cooperate with Non-EU Partners?
According to Dr. Ilva Putzier, EMLE's Programme Manager, the motivation to collaborate with non-European universities comes from multiple factors. One main reason is subject-specific expertise. Each non-EU partner brings academic strengths that enhance the programme, whether in behavioural law and economics, developmental economics, or American legal traditions.
Long-standing academic relationships have also played a role in including non-European universities. The collaboration between the University of Hamburg and Mumbai's Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research started through bilateral academic exchanges. Over time, this partnership evolved into full consortium membership, showing how sustained academic engagement can lead to deeper institutional cooperation.
Strategic expansion is another key motivation. Before integrating a new non-EU partner, EMLE conducted a market analysis to determine the best location and specialisation to complement its existing structure. This approach means each new member adds real value to the programme, rather than expanding for expansion's sake.
Impact on Students and Faculty
Non-European universities have expanded what students and faculty can experience. With institutions spanning multiple continents, students can specialise in areas such as development law, the economic analysis of innovation and intellectual property, and comparative law and economics, exposing them to different legal traditions and economic models.
Faculty members exchange between institutions to align teaching methods to help students transition smoothly between universities. Beyond academics, EMLE's international setting creates cultural exchange. With over 30 nationalities represented annually, discussions often bring together students from different social, political, and legal backgrounds. These interactions can be challenging, but they help students understand different perspectives.
A notable example comes from Rotterdam's intercultural communication course, where a discussion between a Western European and an Asian student highlighted contrasting views on legal communication: one valuing directness, the other prioritising context and non-verbal cues. Such exchanges prepare students for cross-cultural professional work.
EMLE's global reach also expands networking opportunities, connecting students with international organisations, academia, and global law firms, strengthening their career prospects.
Managing a Global Consortium
While international collaborations offer substantial benefits, managing a consortium with ten partners across different continents presents logistical and administrative challenges. Differences in academic calendars, visa regulations, and national procedures can complicate student mobility, particularly for destinations outside Europe.
Harmonising teaching and assessment across diverse academic traditions is another challenge. Approaches to law and economics vary significantly between institutions and countries, requiring regular faculty board meetings to maintain academic coherence and quality standards.
Operating across multiple time zones also complicates communication and decision-making. Structured governance and strong institutional cooperation keep decision-making efficient and responsive.
Alumni Success Stories
As one of the longest-running Erasmus Mundus programmes, EMLE has built a strong alumni network, with several former students holding academic positions at partner universities, and others contributing as guest lecturers. "From the top of my head, I am counting five fully employed academics at different EMLE locations," Putzier notes.
Beyond academia, EMLE graduates have pursued careers at the European Central Bank and similar European institutions. Some have returned home to establish Law & Economics specialisations, supported by the EMLE Outreach Scholarship including an alumnus launching a programme at Kathmandu University in Nepal. The international experience can also lead to unexpected paths — one Dutch graduate studying in Mumbai even appeared in a Bollywood film.
Advice for Other Erasmus Mundus Consortia
Having successfully navigated the complexities of global partnerships, Putzier offers advice for other Erasmus Mundus programmes considering non-EU collaborations. She emphasises the importance of selecting the right partners. Rather than expanding for growth's sake, consortia should focus on adding institutions that align with their academic mission and specialisation. A well-chosen partner should contribute expertise, research opportunities, or market access that strengthens the overall programme.
Putzier also highlights the need for patience and flexibility when managing administrative challenges. Visa issues, mobility planning, and differences in academic cultures can create obstacles, but these challenges are manageable with clear policies and proactive coordination. Over time, consortia can refine their processes and develop efficient strategies to support both students and faculty.
Finally, creating a collaborative culture is important. EMLE has created a governance structure that encourages open communication between faculty, students, and administrators. By maintaining regular meetings and soliciting student feedback, the programme continues to evolve in response to new challenges and opportunities.
Looking Ahead: The Future of EMLE's Global Expansion
As the legal and economic landscape evolves, so does EMLE. The programme continues to expand, adapting to student needs and the demands of a changing world. In 2018, EMLE introduced three specialisation tracks, adding academic depth and flexibility. More recently, the University of Arizona joined as EMLE’s third non-European partner, strengthening the programme’s global reach. This strategic expansion has already proven effective: EMLE now welcomes more students overall, with European students making up nearly half of the current cohort, compared to one-third in previous years—demonstrating the growing appeal of a programme that combines European expertise with the added value of a US-based qualification.
EMLE remains committed to providing a truly international education. The programme continues to strengthen partnerships and expand research opportunities, preparing graduates for careers across legal and economic fields. Reflecting on EMLE's ability to evolve, Putzier notes, "We really embrace the different challenges and also opportunities that all different European and non-European partners can offer."
For more information on EMLE, visit EMLE – European Master in Law and Economics
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