Marlene Wind

Marlene Wind is a Professor and Chair at the Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen, where she also serves as Director of the Center for European Politics (CEP) since 2008. She holds a PhD from the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy, and has built a distinguished career spanning over two decades in European political studies, with particular focus on the intersection of law and politics within the EU framework.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD from the European University Institute (EUI), Florence, Italy
• MA from Aarhus University
• MA from University of Massachusetts, USA (1989-1990)
• Studies at the 'Jyske Musikkonservatorium', Aarhus

Professor Wind's research examines the complex dynamics between law and politics in European integration, with special attention to European constitutionalism, judicial politics, and the challenges posed by populism to democratic institutions. Her work bridges political science and legal studies, analyzing how European integration affects national sovereignty and democratic processes. She has made significant contributions to understanding Denmark's unique relationship with the EU, including its opt-outs and ambivalent membership stance. Her scholarship consistently addresses contemporary challenges to European unity and democratic governance.

Her recent scholarly output reveals a clear progression toward analyzing the growing challenges to European integration, particularly the rise of populism, illiberal democracy, and the 'tribalization' of European politics. Wind's research increasingly focuses on the tension between national sovereignty and European integration, judicial independence, and the future of liberal democracy in Europe, with particular attention to Central and Eastern European developments.

Professor Wind has received several prestigious awards for her contributions to European studies and public discourse:

• 'Europe's Womans Award' 2009 for outstanding communication on Europe with the public at large
• Columbusprisen (January 10, 2010)
• Tøger Seidenfadenprisen (September 9, 2012)
• Ridder af Dannebrogordenen (Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog, August 25, 2022)

Throughout her career, Professor Wind has been deeply engaged in public discourse, serving as a commentator on Danish and international media, delivering numerous public lectures (approximately 40 annually as of 2009), and advising various governmental and non-governmental organizations on European affairs. She has held significant leadership positions including serving on the High Council at the European University Institute (serving as President in 2010) and chairing the Danish EUI selection committee. Her extensive board memberships reflect her influence in European policy circles.

As Director of the Center for European Politics, she leads one of Denmark's premier research centers focused on European integration, EU governance, and the political dynamics of European cooperation. The center serves as a vital hub for interdisciplinary research and policy-relevant analysis of European political developments, fostering collaboration between scholars, policymakers, and the public.