Rainer Arnold Prize: A legacy for the rule of law!

Rainer Arnold Prize: A legacy for the rule of law!

Santo Domingo, Dominikanische Republik - On June 12, 2025, a new price was launched, which recognizes the outstanding achievements in the field of constitutional research. The World Lawer Association (WJA) and the World Law Foundation (WLF) have launched the "Rainer Arnold Prize for Strengenthening the Rule of Law". This prize honors the legacy of Professor Dr. Rainer Arnold, who died at the beginning of the year and has held the chair for public law at the University of Regensburg for many years. Barbara Arnold, the wife of Rainer Arnold, accepted the award in May 2025 during the 29th Congress of the World Law Association in Santo Domingo, where the first award was awarded and Georgetown University was awarded.

Professor Arnold has contributed significantly to European constitutional development in the past three decades and has actively campaigned for the rule of law in Central and Eastern Europe. He was a respected lawyer who strengthened the European Community based on law and common values. One of his most significant services is to participate in the development of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union in 2000. The award, which is awarded every two years during the world law congress, is said to continue legacy and is awarded to outstanding universities, institutions, research groups and important judges and professors who have contributed to strengthening the rule of law.

The importance of the price for the community

The selection of the award winners is made by the board of the WJA and the WLF board of trustees. In addition to the honor of the excellent personalities, a sculpture entitled "Flame" by artist Carlos Albert is installed, symbolizes spirituality and hope. This sculpture is set up in Park 30 de Mayo in Santo Domingo and consists of two steel arches that protrude like wings.

at a time when the rule of law in the European Union is threatened by different challenges, the importance of such initiatives remains clearly evident. Critics of the current state fear that the principles of the rule of law could be undermined without stronger legal and institutional mechanisms, as required by Professor Arnold. Reports on corruption in countries such as Bulgaria and political developments in Poland and Hungary illustrate the difficulties with which the EU is faced.

a future outlook

According to the current developments and the continuing pressure on the rule of law in the Member States, the “Rainer Arnold Prize” is an important initiative that feeds hopes for strengthening the rule of law. With this price, the WJA and WLF reaffirm their commitment and responsibility to promote the principles of law and justice worldwide. In the coming year, a new report by the European Commission is expected to be the rule of law, which could provide further insights into the situation of fundamental rights and independence of the judiciary in the EU.

The price for Rainer Arnold is not only an honor of his life's work, but also an important signal to all legal actors and institutions to work for the maintenance and strengthening of the rule of law, especially in challenging times.

For more information about the award and the activities of the WJA and WLF, please visit the pages of , World lawyer Association and swp berlin .