Towards a strategic autonomy for the European Union: Between legal integration and political will
Authorship
J.A.B.V.
Master in International Studies
J.A.B.V.
Master in International Studies
Defense date
09.10.2025 12:00
09.10.2025 12:00
Summary
This Master's thesis examines the development of the European Union's (EU) strategic autonomy in the field of security and defence, assessing its doctrinal evolution, its legal-institutional framework and the main challenges it faces. In an international context characterised by the resurgence of geopolitical competition and the erosion of the liberal order, the EU is being pushed to redefine its role as a global actor. Using a legal-political approach, the study analyses normative and operational developments since the Lisbon Treaty, as well as the structural limitations stemming from the intergovernmental nature of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), the absence of a shared strategic culture and dependence on NATO. Key initiatives such as the Global Strategy and the Strategic Compass are examined, assessing their contribution to a more autonomous and coherent vision. The research argues that while the current legal framework provides a relevant basis, true strategic autonomy will only be possible through common political will, greater institutional cohesion and a redefinition of the European defence consensus.
This Master's thesis examines the development of the European Union's (EU) strategic autonomy in the field of security and defence, assessing its doctrinal evolution, its legal-institutional framework and the main challenges it faces. In an international context characterised by the resurgence of geopolitical competition and the erosion of the liberal order, the EU is being pushed to redefine its role as a global actor. Using a legal-political approach, the study analyses normative and operational developments since the Lisbon Treaty, as well as the structural limitations stemming from the intergovernmental nature of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), the absence of a shared strategic culture and dependence on NATO. Key initiatives such as the Global Strategy and the Strategic Compass are examined, assessing their contribution to a more autonomous and coherent vision. The research argues that while the current legal framework provides a relevant basis, true strategic autonomy will only be possible through common political will, greater institutional cohesion and a redefinition of the European defence consensus.
Direction
LIROLA DELGADO, MARIA ISABEL (Tutorships)
LIROLA DELGADO, MARIA ISABEL (Tutorships)
Court
JORGE URBINA, JULIO (Chairman)
ARENAS MEZA, MIGUEL ENRIQUE (Secretary)
TEIJO GARCIA, CARLOS (Member)
JORGE URBINA, JULIO (Chairman)
ARENAS MEZA, MIGUEL ENRIQUE (Secretary)
TEIJO GARCIA, CARLOS (Member)
Challenges and opportunities in implementing the GaiaX Project as a Sovereign Cloud Infrastructure in the European Union
Authorship
F.B.
Master in Transnational Law of Business and Technology Dixit
F.B.
Master in Transnational Law of Business and Technology Dixit
Defense date
09.15.2025 12:30
09.15.2025 12:30
Summary
This dissertation analyzes the challenges and opportunities in implementing the GaiaX Project as a sovereign cloud infrastructure in the European Union, investigating how this initiative addresses concerns about digital sovereignty in the face of the oligopolistic dominance of major technology corporations over critical digital infrastructures.
This dissertation analyzes the challenges and opportunities in implementing the GaiaX Project as a sovereign cloud infrastructure in the European Union, investigating how this initiative addresses concerns about digital sovereignty in the face of the oligopolistic dominance of major technology corporations over critical digital infrastructures.
Direction
FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, JOSE JULIO (Tutorships)
FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, JOSE JULIO (Tutorships)
Court
Miguez Macho, Luis (Chairman)
HERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, FRANCISCO (Secretary)
de Sousa Gonçalves, Anabela Susana (Member)
Miguez Macho, Luis (Chairman)
HERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, FRANCISCO (Secretary)
de Sousa Gonçalves, Anabela Susana (Member)
Financial education as a measure against economic violence against women in the European Union
Authorship
R.E.A.
Master in International Studies
R.E.A.
Master in International Studies
Defense date
09.10.2025 11:00
09.10.2025 11:00
Summary
Economic violence is a human rights violation suffered mostly by women around the world, including in the European Union despite the fact that it is a developed region. Likewise, there is a gap between the financial literacy levels of men and women in the EU bloc. There is little literature covering both global phenomena together, as this is an emerging line of research. However, there is emerging evidence that financial education can be a preventive measure for economic violence against women. Therefore, this Master's Final Project explores the fit and proposes ways for the EU to promote its implementation in the 27 member states.
Economic violence is a human rights violation suffered mostly by women around the world, including in the European Union despite the fact that it is a developed region. Likewise, there is a gap between the financial literacy levels of men and women in the EU bloc. There is little literature covering both global phenomena together, as this is an emerging line of research. However, there is emerging evidence that financial education can be a preventive measure for economic violence against women. Therefore, this Master's Final Project explores the fit and proposes ways for the EU to promote its implementation in the 27 member states.
Direction
RODIL MARZABAL, OSCAR (Tutorships)
RODIL MARZABAL, OSCAR (Tutorships)
Court
RODRIGUEZ MANZANO, MARIA IRENE (Chairman)
MONTERO FERRER, CARMEN (Secretary)
FERREIRO SEOANE, FRANCISCO JESUS (Member)
RODRIGUEZ MANZANO, MARIA IRENE (Chairman)
MONTERO FERRER, CARMEN (Secretary)
FERREIRO SEOANE, FRANCISCO JESUS (Member)
The use of artificial intelligence and big data by the Tax Administration, and the legal implications for the rights and safeguards of taxpayers
Authorship
L.F.S.
Master in Transnational Law of Business and Technology Dixit
L.F.S.
Master in Transnational Law of Business and Technology Dixit
Defense date
09.10.2025 12:00
09.10.2025 12:00
Summary
The Tax Administration utilizes massive data storage systems (commonly referred to as big data) for tax management, gathering extensive information related to taxpayers. This data is subsequently processed through artificial intelligence mechanisms to support decision-making. The incorporation of these technologies into administrative and tax procedures offers undeniable advantages, such as the optimization of human and material resources, greater efficiency and speed in administrative processes, and the ability to consider a broader range of data and variables when making complex or automated decisions. However, despite the numerous benefits associated with the use of big data and artificial intelligence in public administration, one must not overlook the risks and limitations these technologies may pose. The use of algorithmic systems by public authorities can impact core principles that govern administrative action, as well as the guarantees that must be upheld in favor of citizens. Accordingly, the implementation of such systems presents significant ethical and legal challenges, particularly concerning the rights of taxpayers. These challenges include issues related to transparency, the protection of personal data, privacy, algorithmic non-discrimination, and the right to justification and defense against automated decisions. This paper begins by outlining the conceptual development of big data and artificial intelligence. It then analyzes the current use of these technologies by the Tax Administration in the performance of its functions and procedures, assesses their impact on tax management, and concludes with a review of the rights and guarantees that must be preserved for taxpayers in this new technological context.
The Tax Administration utilizes massive data storage systems (commonly referred to as big data) for tax management, gathering extensive information related to taxpayers. This data is subsequently processed through artificial intelligence mechanisms to support decision-making. The incorporation of these technologies into administrative and tax procedures offers undeniable advantages, such as the optimization of human and material resources, greater efficiency and speed in administrative processes, and the ability to consider a broader range of data and variables when making complex or automated decisions. However, despite the numerous benefits associated with the use of big data and artificial intelligence in public administration, one must not overlook the risks and limitations these technologies may pose. The use of algorithmic systems by public authorities can impact core principles that govern administrative action, as well as the guarantees that must be upheld in favor of citizens. Accordingly, the implementation of such systems presents significant ethical and legal challenges, particularly concerning the rights of taxpayers. These challenges include issues related to transparency, the protection of personal data, privacy, algorithmic non-discrimination, and the right to justification and defense against automated decisions. This paper begins by outlining the conceptual development of big data and artificial intelligence. It then analyzes the current use of these technologies by the Tax Administration in the performance of its functions and procedures, assesses their impact on tax management, and concludes with a review of the rights and guarantees that must be preserved for taxpayers in this new technological context.
Direction
GARCIA NOVOA, CESAR (Tutorships)
GARCIA NOVOA, CESAR (Tutorships)
Court
Miguez Macho, Luis (Chairman)
HERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, FRANCISCO (Secretary)
Dias Meireles, Ana Isa (Member)
Miguez Macho, Luis (Chairman)
HERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, FRANCISCO (Secretary)
Dias Meireles, Ana Isa (Member)
Double Exile: Syrian Women and Dissidents Facing European Asylum. A Gender-Based Analysis.
Authorship
A.G.C.
Master in International Studies
A.G.C.
Master in International Studies
Defense date
09.11.2025 16:30
09.11.2025 16:30
Summary
This Master's Dissertation analyzes the phenomenon of forced migration from Syria to Europe, with special attention to asylum claims based on gender-based persecution. It examines how conflict-driven violence, patriarchal structures, and systemic discrimination disproportionately affect women and LGBTQI+ individuals, driving them to seek international protection. Through a combined legal and policy analysis supported by case studies, the thesis assesses the capacity of the European asylum system to effectively respond to these vulnerabilities. Despite regulatory advances in international and European law, significant practical shortcomings persist, including the lack of gender-sensitive procedures, unsafe reception conditions, and insufficient institutional training. The dissertation pays particular attention to the absence of an explicit mention of gender as a ground for persecution in the 1951 Geneva Convention, which creates protection gaps. A case study focused on Spain evaluates the progress and challenges in implementing an intersectional approach to refugee status recognition. It also identifies good practices and highlights the fundamental role of civil society organizations. In conclusion, the dissertation advocates for a reform of the asylum system based on an intersectional and human rights perspective that guarantees dignity, safety, and justice for all displaced persons, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
This Master's Dissertation analyzes the phenomenon of forced migration from Syria to Europe, with special attention to asylum claims based on gender-based persecution. It examines how conflict-driven violence, patriarchal structures, and systemic discrimination disproportionately affect women and LGBTQI+ individuals, driving them to seek international protection. Through a combined legal and policy analysis supported by case studies, the thesis assesses the capacity of the European asylum system to effectively respond to these vulnerabilities. Despite regulatory advances in international and European law, significant practical shortcomings persist, including the lack of gender-sensitive procedures, unsafe reception conditions, and insufficient institutional training. The dissertation pays particular attention to the absence of an explicit mention of gender as a ground for persecution in the 1951 Geneva Convention, which creates protection gaps. A case study focused on Spain evaluates the progress and challenges in implementing an intersectional approach to refugee status recognition. It also identifies good practices and highlights the fundamental role of civil society organizations. In conclusion, the dissertation advocates for a reform of the asylum system based on an intersectional and human rights perspective that guarantees dignity, safety, and justice for all displaced persons, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Direction
RODRIGUEZ MANZANO, MARIA IRENE (Tutorships)
RODRIGUEZ MANZANO, MARIA IRENE (Tutorships)
Court
LIROLA DELGADO, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
PINTADO LOBATO, MONTSERRAT (Secretary)
BALBOA LOPEZ, JESUS LEOPOLDO (Member)
LIROLA DELGADO, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
PINTADO LOBATO, MONTSERRAT (Secretary)
BALBOA LOPEZ, JESUS LEOPOLDO (Member)
AI and the digital transformation of the Fundamental Rights of Persons Elderly
Authorship
J.I.S.D.S.
Master in Transnational Law of Business and Technology Dixit
J.I.S.D.S.
Master in Transnational Law of Business and Technology Dixit
Defense date
09.15.2025 11:00
09.15.2025 11:00
Summary
This work will analyse AI and the digital transformation of the fundamental rights of older people in a context marked by demographic ageing. It will study the legal responsibility arising from the use of AI in geriatric settings, highlighting gaps in legislation regarding the damage caused by automated systems, emphasising the risks of algorithmic exclusion and the need to adapt current legislation. Similarly, the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of age will be examined, proposing ethical and inclusive governance that incorporates citizen participation to ensure transparency, equity and accountability. The digital transformation and its relationship with fundamental rights will also be explored, identifying opportunities and challenges in areas such as privacy, access to services and equality in technology. Finally, the legal characteristics of older people are addressed, emphasising the need for a specific legal approach to guarantee the rights of this vulnerable group. The study concludes that the proposed objectives have been achieved, providing a framework for reflection and concrete proposals for digitalisation that respects human dignity and social justice.
This work will analyse AI and the digital transformation of the fundamental rights of older people in a context marked by demographic ageing. It will study the legal responsibility arising from the use of AI in geriatric settings, highlighting gaps in legislation regarding the damage caused by automated systems, emphasising the risks of algorithmic exclusion and the need to adapt current legislation. Similarly, the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of age will be examined, proposing ethical and inclusive governance that incorporates citizen participation to ensure transparency, equity and accountability. The digital transformation and its relationship with fundamental rights will also be explored, identifying opportunities and challenges in areas such as privacy, access to services and equality in technology. Finally, the legal characteristics of older people are addressed, emphasising the need for a specific legal approach to guarantee the rights of this vulnerable group. The study concludes that the proposed objectives have been achieved, providing a framework for reflection and concrete proposals for digitalisation that respects human dignity and social justice.
Direction
FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, JOSE JULIO (Tutorships)
FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, JOSE JULIO (Tutorships)
Court
Miguez Macho, Luis (Chairman)
HERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, FRANCISCO (Secretary)
de Sousa Gonçalves, Anabela Susana (Member)
Miguez Macho, Luis (Chairman)
HERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, FRANCISCO (Secretary)
de Sousa Gonçalves, Anabela Susana (Member)
Gender based violence in the application for international protection in the European Union. Changes after the Pact on migration and asylum.
Authorship
M.S.A.
Master in International Studies
M.S.A.
Master in International Studies
Defense date
09.11.2025 12:00
09.11.2025 12:00
Summary
This paper analyses the need to recognise gender-based violence as a specific cause of persecution within the system of international protection and asylum law. The 1951 Geneva Convention, the basic international legal instrument for the protection of asylum seekers, does not explicitly contemplate the risks suffered by women, which has given rise to an androcentric system that has been in force ever since. In turn, this paper refers to the recent jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice, which recognises women as a social group deserving of protection, although without categorising gender as an autonomous reason for persecution. It also assesses the new European regulations and directives approved in 2024 in the framework of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum on violence against women and international protection, which, despite moving towards greater harmonisation, maintain limitations in the protection against intersectional gender-based violence. The paper concludes by advocating for structural reform that explicitly includes gender-based persecution in order to guarantee adequate and effective protection for the majority of women asylum seekers who are victims of violence.
This paper analyses the need to recognise gender-based violence as a specific cause of persecution within the system of international protection and asylum law. The 1951 Geneva Convention, the basic international legal instrument for the protection of asylum seekers, does not explicitly contemplate the risks suffered by women, which has given rise to an androcentric system that has been in force ever since. In turn, this paper refers to the recent jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice, which recognises women as a social group deserving of protection, although without categorising gender as an autonomous reason for persecution. It also assesses the new European regulations and directives approved in 2024 in the framework of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum on violence against women and international protection, which, despite moving towards greater harmonisation, maintain limitations in the protection against intersectional gender-based violence. The paper concludes by advocating for structural reform that explicitly includes gender-based persecution in order to guarantee adequate and effective protection for the majority of women asylum seekers who are victims of violence.
Direction
MONTERO FERRER, CARMEN (Tutorships)
MONTERO FERRER, CARMEN (Tutorships)
Court
MONTERO FERRER, CARMEN (Student’s tutor)
MONTERO FERRER, CARMEN (Student’s tutor)