The professor of European law at the University of Fribourg received yesterday the distinction of "Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur".
Astrid Epiney received this prestigious French award for her merits in the field of European law, her bilingualism and her international work, especially with universities and institutions in the German and French speaking areas. As noted in the laudatio of the Ambassador of the French Republic in Switzerland, Alain Catta, on the occasion of the awarding of the Order, the laureate works in French and German both in her research and in her teaching - which is an exception. In this way, she promotes France’s relations with the German-speaking world. Her research activities in the field of international law frequently involve comparative law, which also contributes to the mutual understanding of European states. Finally, Astrid Epiney has not only worked in the field of European law, through the foundation and direction of the Institute of European Law of the University of Fribourg, but she has also been awarded merits for her contributions to the relations between Switzerland and the European Union in general and France in particular, through various mandates and other particular offices.
The Legion of Honor awards its Order to persons - regardless of their social rank - who have shown themselves to be eminently deserving of France and its citizens. The award may honor particular services or virtues in all areas of society. The Order was created in 1802 to reward military and civil merit. According to the statutes, the President of the French Republic decides on the awarding of the Order on the recommendation of the "Conseil de l’Ordre".
