The library was made possible by a generous donation from Professor Gerhard Hafner, who bequeathed extensive collections – comprising, in particular, works focusing on international law – to the Centre for Eastern European Law. These include periodicals, textbooks and general and specialist publications on international law in Russian, particularly from the era of the former Soviet Union. The collection also contains a vast number of works on international relations.
The ceremony began with opening remarks by Dean Gabriele Schmölzer and Professor Erika de Wet, who highlighted the academic significance of the newly accessible collections for research and teaching, as well as the honouree’s career.
Following the official opening, a panel discussion took place on the topic of ‘The Right to Self-Determination in (Eastern) Europe’. Prof. Jürgen Pirker, Assoc. Prof. Emma Lantschner and Assoc. Prof. Christian Pippan took part in the discussion. The discussion was moderated by the Deputy Director of the Centre for Eastern European Law, Associate Professor Benedikt Harzl, who brought together the diverse and enriching perspectives of the panellists and ensured a wide-ranging academic exchange.
The organisers, the Institute of International Law and the Centre for Eastern European Law, would like to once again express their sincere thanks to Professor Gerhard Hafner for his generous donation. We are more than confident that the materials and works donated will make a lasting contribution to future research in Graz.