Bernhard Kreße

Prof. Bernhard Kreße holds the Chair of Civil Law, German and European Business Law, Energy Law, and Comparative Law at FernUniversität in Hagen's Faculty of Law. He previously served as Chair of Central Department of Business Law at TU Dortmund (2017–2022) and Dean of Studies (2021–2022). His expertise spans energy law, antitrust regulation, data protection in energy sectors, and European solidarity obligations. He earned his doctorate summa cum laude on European state aid law (2006) and habilitation on competitive auctions (2013). Professional memberships include the Cologne Higher Regional Court's Judicial Examination Office and German National Academic Foundation's selection committee.

Education

• LL.M. Cologne/Paris
• Maître en droit (Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne)
• Doctorate: University of Cologne (2006)
• Habilitation: FernUniversität Hagen (2013)

Research focuses on energy antitrust-state regulation interplay, renewable energy subsidies compliant with EU law, data protection challenges in smart grids, and compensation frameworks for energy transition. Recent work addresses legal challenges in energy contracts and security of supply protocols balancing public interest with property rights.

Labs/Teams: Leads research cluster 'Energy, Environment & Sustainability' at FernUni, coordinating interdisciplinary studies on energy law compliance. Active in collaborative projects with German National Academic Foundation and judicial institutions.