The fondation ch has awarded the Federalism prize 2019 to Eva Maria Belser, professor of public law at the University of Fribourg in recognition for the high quality of her research on comparative federalism and for the promotion of federalism. In addition to her research and co-direction position at the IFF, Ms. Belser gives lectures worldwide, raising awareness in Switzerland and abroad on issues related to federalism.

As the State councilor Heidi Z’graggen stressed in her praise, Eva Maria Belser has become master in the art of bringing federalism assets to light, being an outstanding ambassador of the Swiss political system and of the federal political system in general. She continuously proves it during the Summer University School on federalism, decentralization and conflict resolution as well as during the IFF three month program that host researchers from all around the world.

With her team, Eva Maria Belser teaches and leads research on Swiss constitutional law, on comparative law and on subjects related to international law more broadly. She also dedicates herself to fundamental and human rights, democracy, rule of law and to the social role of the state.