Innsbruck Tax Lecture Series
Solidarity Federalism
Studies of federalism have mostly centered on state autonomy and the vertical relationship between the states and the federal government. This presentation approaches federalism from a different perspective, one that focuses on state solidarity. The presentation will explain how solidarity structures found in constitutional federations — and by analogy in the founding treaties of the EU — generate solidarity obligations, such as duties not to harm other states or their citizens. These duties give rise to principles, such as non-discrimination, that are vital to federalism. Focusing on inter-state relations and relations between states and citizens of other states, the presentation argues that affirming both solidarity and autonomy as crucial — indeed constitutive — elements of federalism and federal-style unions enables us to better understand our federation and enriches federalism discourse in general. Examples of doctrines inflected with solidarity duties include the fundamental freedoms and State aid. The Court of Justice’s recent decision in Commission v. Malta will also be discussed.
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 16:30 pm (CET)
Speaker: Prof. Ruth Mason, University of Virginia School of Law
Place: online