Themistocles and Dimitris Tsatsos Foundation – Centre for European Constitutional Law (CECL)
The Themistocles and Dimitris Tsatsos Foundation – Centre for European Constitutional Law (CECL) is a renowned European research institute. The Foundation aims to promote the development of democratic institutions, fundamental rights and the welfare state; to deepen European integration; and to strengthen international cooperation under the principle of respect to the cultural identity of each state. The specific objectives of the Foundation are to provide institutional know-how and capacity-building to public bodies in Greece, developing countries and member-states of the European Union, to undertake theoretical and applied research in the fields of Greek, European and comparative public law and public policies; and to promote public awareness on developments in the European area. To this date, the Foundation participating in numerous European and National Projects has undertaken research, consulting and institution-building projects in more than 20 countries worldwide, and maintains an active network of collaborating institutions and highly qualified experts.
The Foundation hosts the National Contact Point of the Fundamental Rights Network (FRANET) coordinated by the European Union Agency on Fundamental Rights (FRA) (since 2007) and conducts extensive research and data collection on fundamental rights. It is also accredited to participate in European Commission Twinning projects. Among the Foundation’s international activities special focus is put on the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and the UN Convention Against Corruption. The Foundation coordinates the Research Group “Constitution-Making and Constitutional Change” of the International Association of Constitutional Law and organizes high level conferences, workshops and publications in Europe and North America. The Foundation is a member of the Greek Section of the European Network on the European Social Charter and Social Rights (ANESC) that promotes the implementation of European Social Charter and the protection of social rights in Europe.
