Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Passenger Rights in Motion – From Traditional Transport to Smart Mobility” has been successfully implemented within the CroConnect project, confirming the value of intensive and internationally oriented forms of learning and leaving behind a rich experience of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional development. 👏
The programme was organised by the Faculty of Law in Rijeka in cooperation with partner universities and was structured in two phases: a virtual component, held from 1 March to 10 April 2026, and a physical component, which took place from 13 to 17 April 2026 on the island of Cres, at the Moise Palace. 🌍 The programme brought together 32 students from six European universities: Maastricht University, the University of Antwerp, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, the University of Udine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, and the Faculty of Law of the University of Rijeka.
After acquiring theoretical knowledge in an online environment, covering passenger rights, their relationship with consumer law, data protection, and the development of smart mobility, students shifted their focus during the physical component to the practical application of this knowledge. For this purpose, they were divided into eight international, carefully structured teams composed to ensure a mix of students from different universities. 🤝 Through two Moot Court competitions in the fields of air and maritime transport, they prepared written submissions and presented their arguments in simulated court proceedings in English. 🎓 For many participants, this was their first experience with this type of work, which further contributed to the dynamism and overall value of the programme.
Working in an international environment required engaging with different legal approaches, varying levels of prior knowledge, and diverse communication styles. These differences proved to be one of the programme’s greatest strengths, fostering learning through collaboration, adaptation, and mutual understanding. Although accompanied by the informal motto “No stress on Cres,” participants encountered real challenges, including time pressure, public speaking, and the need for rapid and persuasive legal reasoning.
The programme therefore went beyond the acquisition of legal knowledge and contributed to the development of a broader set of competencies, including teamwork, critical thinking, argumentation, and professional confidence. 💡
We are also proud to highlight that the winning team in the maritime transport Moot Court included Marta Veljačić, a student of the Faculty of Law in Rijeka.
Alongside the academic component, time spent on Cres and Lošinj provided opportunities for informal interaction, exchange of experiences, and the creation of shared memories, further strengthening the international dimension of the programme. 🌊
The programme was implemented with the contribution of members of the project team and colleagues from partner universities, whose collaboration was essential to its success. Particular recognition should be given to the Erasmus+ programme, which enables such innovative and intensive forms of learning focused on practical skills and international mobility.
We are confident that all participants leave this programme not only with new knowledge, but also with valuable experience, professional connections, and lasting memories. Next year, the BIP programme will be hosted by Maastricht University, with the Faculty of Law in Rijeka participating as one of the partner institutions. We already invite our students to follow upcoming announcements and take part in this valuable international programme. ✨
