OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi students and the public have a unique opportunity to learn about the rule of law and how it protects basic freedoms when European Parliament member Stephen Bartulica visits campus on Thursday (Feb. 20).
Bartulica was elected in 2024 as Croatia’s representative to the European Parliament. The parliament is part of the decision- and policymaking body for the 27 countries that make up the European Union.
He will lead a free presentation on “The Rule of Law: Uses and Abuses” at 12:45 p.m. in the Weems Auditorium of the School of Law. The rule of law is considered a foundational pillar of Western civilization, Bartulica said.
“Its main purpose is to limit political power and protect basic freedoms,” he said. “However, in recent times, the rule of law has been undermined and even weaponized in the U.S. and EU.
“It has become a tool that is used to hammer political opponents.”
Originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, Bartulica earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri. He moved to Croatia in 1992 following graduation.
Ron Rychlak, distinguished professor of law and Jamie L. Whitten Chair of Law and Government, met Bartulica about 15 years ago, before Bartulica’s political career. When Rychlak spoke in Zagreb last summer, the two renewed their friendship.
“When I learned about his position on the EU Parliament and that he would be visiting the United States, I very much wanted our students to have the chance to hear from him,” Rychlak said.
“His talk should be of great interest to anyone interested in international affairs, politics or law.”
Bartulica has served as an associate professor of political philosophy in Zagreb, the country’s capital and largest city. He also held one of the highest positions of the Croatian government when he served as senior foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Tihomir Oreškovi?.
As part of the parliament, Bartulica serves on the committee on economic and monetary affairs, the committee of fisheries and the delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly.
Bartulica said he is looking forward to talking about his understanding and background of the rule of law.
“My experience in politics has given me the rare opportunity to witness this up close and I would like to share this with faculty and students,” he said.
Top: European Parliament member Stephen Bartulica, who represents Croatia, will discuss uses and abuses of the rule of law at 12:45 p.m. Feb. 20 at the School of Law. Submitted photo
