Course

The course on Diritto comparato della comunicazione pubblica (Comparative Law of Institutional Communication), taught by Professor Angioletta Sperti at the University of Pisa, explores the objectives and regulation of public institutions’ institutional communication and their relationship with the media and citizens.

In the past, institutional communication was mainly aimed at ensuring transparency and providing information. Today, however, it has become crucial – even for constitutional courts and supranational institutions – to speak directly to citizens and strengthen cooperation with the media. These dynamics are closely tied to the values and interests of the European Union. Safeguarding, promoting, and transmitting the EU’s values (Art. 2 TEU) also means advancing the common good of its citizens. Yet, in recent years, this task has faced significant challenges both internally and externally, including the rise of populist movements and the spread of their messages through the Internet and social media; the consequences of the pandemic in terms of digital authoritarianism, economic recession, and poverty; the marginalization of parliaments and courts in favor of governments; and growing skepticism about judicial impartiality.

Adopting an interdisciplinary perspective, the course provides an overview of the legal and comparative law principles that guide the communication of public institutions, with particular attention to courts, local authorities and EU institutions. It also shows how communication contributes to safeguarding democracy, countering populism, and fostering identity (local, national, and supranational) around democratic and European values.

For more information about the course, please visit the following link.