Juan Santos Vara

Juan Santos Vara is a Teaching Associate Professor and Jean Monnet Chair in EU External Action at the University of Salamanca. He serves as Director of the Master in European Studies and Coordinator of the European Joint Master’s in Strategic Border Management (2013-2015). Holding a PhD in Law from Salamanca, an LLM in European Law from the College of Europe, and a Master in European Studies from Carlos III University of Madrid, his academic trajectory combines rigorous legal scholarship with practical EU policy experience.

• Education:
  • PhD in Law (University of Salamanca)
  • LLM in European Law (College of Europe)
  • Master in European Studies (Carlos III University)

His research interests focus on EU external relations law, Area of Freedom Security and Justice (AFSJ), and border management legal frameworks. A key theme explores the extraterritorial application of EU human rights obligations, particularly in Frontex operations within third-country territories. He examines conflicts between EU constitutional principles and third-country cooperation, and democratic legitimacy in EU international relations.

Recent publications analyze 2023 EU border agency reforms, post-Brexit differentiated integration, and legal implications of informal EU return policies. His work synthesizes doctrinal analysis with empirical policy evaluation.

Scientific Awards:

• Jean Monnet Chair in EU External Action
• Visiting Fellowships: European University Institute (2010), Harvard Law School (2008), Watson Institute (2008), King’s College London (2007), Hague Academy of International Law (2004/2006)

As Editor of European Papers and former Editor of Revista General de Derecho Europeo (2010-2015), he shapes academic discourse on EU law. His grant projects include European Science Foundation ECRP VI (2010) on international law domestic application.