Public Administration for Sustainable Development

A.Y. 2026/2027
9
Max ECTS
63
Overall hours
SSD
GIUR-06/A
Language
English
Learning objectives
The FIRST MODULE is intended to provide students with a general knowledge of the organizational and procedural modules applied by national and international public administrations.
Attention will be drawn, especially, to:
- the notion and meaning of public administration: in a historical and comparative law perspective;
- the organizational structure of Public administration: best possible allocation of competences, according also to the principle of subsidiarity;
- public administration and administrative procedure: the role of administrative procedure in order to assure an open, efficient and independent administration, providing developmental opportunities for society and preventing discrimination and the phenomena of corruption.
The SECOND MODULE deals with a very important branch of administrative law: environmental law, with a primary focus on the EU context. The aim is to provide a fundamental understanding of the administrative tools of environmental law, their legal basis and the available methods of enforcement.
The THIRD MODULE specifically addresses the issue of digitalization of the public administration and e-government and delves into the problem of how to provide for a legal framework fostering e-government effectiveness while, at the same time, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adequate protection of the fundamental rights involved.
Expected learning outcomes
The first module provides students with the basics of administrative law. Thanks to this module students will be able to correctly identify the very notion of public administration and understand the fundamental concepts of administrative organization and administrative procedure. Students will also learn what are the essential principles that guide public administrations and therefore what are the fundamental rules that regulate their activities.
The second module aims at providing students with the essential tools for understanding European environmental policies. In particular, students at the end of the course will be able to evaluate the different modes of action of the European and national administrative authorities in environmental matters, evaluating the effectiveness and appropriateness of each measure in relation to the objective pursued.
The third module provides students with a perspective on future developments in administrative law. Thanks to this knowledge, students will be able to understand how the administration can take advantage of the new possibilities offered by digital technologies to be more efficient and effective, in particular by promoting a more sustainable administrative action thanks to more efficient use of resources, both internal and external.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Module I: Introduction to Administrative Law and Sustainable Development

- Introduction to administrative law
- The concept of public administration
- Administrative procedures and administrative acts
- Rule of law, good governance and sustainable development
- The contribution of administrative law to the achievement of sustainable development goals

Module II: European Union Environmental Law

- Legal basis of EU environmental policy
- Fundamental principles of EU environmental law
- EU environmental procedures
- Environmental infringement procedures

Module III: Environmental Governance and Case Studies

- The precautionary principle
- Sustainable development and the protection of future generations
- Environmental assessment
- Access to justice in environmental matters
- Environment and energy transition
- Services of general economic interest and sustainability
- PFAS and environmental protection
- Transparency, participation and open government
- The One Health paradigm and administrative action
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons with active involvement of students in the discussion of the different topics.
Teaching Resources
G. Carullo, Public Administration for Sustainable Development, Editoriale Scientifica, 2026
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam will take place in the form of a written examination. The exam will evaluate the knowledge acquired by the student and his or her ability to properly present the topics covered in class. During the course, students will also be asked to demonstrate their communication and comprehension skills, in particular through participation in the classroom.
GIUR-06/A - Administrative and Public Law - University credits: 9
Lessons: 63 hours
Shifts:
Turno
Professors: Carullo Gherardo, Monica Alessia
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday, 3:00 PM, upon e-mail registration
Department of Italian and Supranational Public Law