UACES Annual Conference 2023

3-6 September 2023, and 11 September virtually
Belfast
Northern Ireland
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The 53rd European Studies Conference

Join us in Belfast in 2023 to meet colleagues and other academics in the field of contemporary European studies at Queen's University Belfast (QUB). We’re delighted to finally be travelling to Belfast, after having to cancel our conference there in 2020 and we’re looking forward to seeing our members, new and old next year.

The conference will take place from 3-6 September 2023, with a virtual day being held on 11 September.

Plenary 1: 50 Years of EU Enlargement

1973 saw the then European Communities enlarge for the first time and increase its size from six to nine member states. Successive Mediterranean enlargements, an EFTA enlargement, enlargement eastwards and into the Western Balkans have since followed. And with seven candidate countries and three further applicants, the questions of whether, when, how and to include whom the EU should enlarge remain as salient as ever. The plenary provides an opportunity to reflect on 50 years of EU enlargement since the first accessions in 1973. Panellists will consider: (a) the key drivers of enlargement and how these have changed over time; (b) the contribution of academic study to understanding of the dynamics of the process; (c) the significance of enlargement for the development of the EU; and (d) the current state of the EU debate on enlargement and the prospects for further expansion of the EU in the light of current and potential membership applications.

With:

  • Dr Barbara Lippert (SWP, Berlin)
  • Prof John O’Brennan (Maynooth University)
  • Prof Helene Sjursen (ARENA, Oslo)
  • Dr Koen Slootmaeckers (City University, London)
  • Prof David Phinnemore (QUB) as Chair

Plenary 2: Ukraine and the Future of European Integration

The ongoing war in Ukraine has raised profound questions about Ukraine’s future relationships with its neighbours and its position within the European integration processes. It further questions the roles and capacities of the EU and European organisations in responding to the conflict. This plenary provides an opportunity to consider the implications of the conflict for European integration and the challenges it poses for not just the EU but also the likes of the Council of Europe, NATO and the Organisation for Security for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and for Ukraine’s changing engagement with these organisations. Panellists will not only consider key challenges and assess responses to date, but also reflect on the extent to which these organisations have the capacity to respond effectively in the medium to longer term and what the lasting impact of the conflict on them and their activities, and the changing place of Ukraine in the multiple European integration processes.

With:

  • Prof Sven Biscop (Egmont Institute)
  • Prof Olga Onuch (University of Manchester)
  • Prof Rilka Dragneva (University of Birmingham)
  • Prof Jocelyn Mawdsley (Newcastle University)
  • Dr Maxine David (Leiden Univesity)
  • Prof Alister Miskimmon (QUB) as Chair

Plenary 3: The European Political Community as a new path for European cooperation

The emergence of the European Political Community in 2022 as a venue for pan-European debate and as an expression of solidarity against the Russian invasion of Ukraine has opened up debate about whether it can offer a meaningful contribution to future European governance. In this roundtable discussion, organised with the support of UK in a Changing Europe, there will be reflection on whether and how the EPC might develop, both an autonomous body and as an accompaniment to existing forums.

With:

  • Dr Cleo Davies (UEA)
  • Prof Ben Tonra (UCD)
  • Jannike Wachowiak (UKiCE)
  • Prof Richard Whitman (Kent)
  • Prof Simon Usherwood (OU) as Chair
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Registrations are open!

CfP is now closed but you can still register as an audience participant. Paper-givers can register now. You should have received your paper acceptance via email. Can't attend in person? We offer an online day on 11 September.

Register

Guidelines and FAQs

There are different price rates, depending on your membership and professional level. Find the list in the FAQs or on Conftool. Please read the terms, conditions and cancellation policy before registering.

Guidelines & FAQs
Read carefully before registration.

The Location

The conference will take place at the Peter Foggatt Centre (2) and the Law Building (3).

 

A Map of the Queen's University Belfast campus

Conference Dinner

The conference dinner is a great opportunity to meet colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. We award the UACES Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the Best Book Prize and Best PhD Thesis Prize after a 3-course menu. The Drawing Office One at the Titanic Hotel Belfast is confirmed as our venue for the #UACES2023 conference dinner.

 

 

Register

Drinks Reception

We will welcome you to the Belfast City Hall for our drinks reception.

Meet your colleagues, friends and the UACES community on 4th September 2023.

Every year, participants come together for a casual chat and catch-up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the Publishers

Make use of the opportunity to meet academic publishers! Every year, we welcome a number of publishers to our conference who are there to give advice about anything related to publishing. Among others, we host known publishers like Routledge, Wiley, and Palgrave.

About QUB

Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) is recognised as one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities and has a global reputation for excellence. Queen's is at the heart of Belfast's culture, as well as its art and social scenes - the perfect location for a conference.

Learn more
Belfast

Belfast

Do you know what Belfast’s symbol is? Discover more facts about Belfast’s history, maritime heritage, culture and more with some Belfast facts. Swipe through the gallery to see them.

Photos: Tourism Northern Ireland

Titanic Belfast

Belfast was the birthplace of the RMS Titanic. The Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience and a must-see on any visit to Belfast and Northern Ireland. The self-guided Titanic Experience extends over nine interpretive and interactive galleries, which explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of RMS Titanic, as well as the city and people who made her.

Belfast City Hall

The new City Hall was designed by Alfred Brumwell Thomas in the Baroque Revival style and constructed in Portland stone. The incredible building cost £369,000 to complete, the equivalent around 128 million pounds today but remains an extraordinary beacon of success and civic pride for Belfast. 

The Beacon of Hope

With a nickname like ‘Nuala with the Hula’, the Beacon of Hope sculpture might feel authentically Belfast. But the public art piece was actually based on Thanksgiving Square in Dallas, Texas – a landscaped public park in the heart of the city that features a non-denominational chapel, public art and green space.

Dome at Victoria Square

Rising high above the city's skyline, the Dome at Victoria Square boasts 360 degree views across Belfast.

Themed Tracks

For the first time, UACES delegates can choose to submit their proposals via Themed Tracks. Track themes include (but are not limited to): Ukraine; Rule of Law; Small States; Ireland and the EU; decentring, decolonising and diversifying European Studies; Trade; Health, and the Environment. If your work does not fit within the parameters of the themed tracks, please select the Open submission track - we want to be as inclusive as possible and will welcome papers and panels on any area of European Studies.

LIST OF THEMED TRACKS

Conference Costs

There are different price rates, depending on your membership and professional level. We will issue a rebate of the difference in price to anyone who becomes a UACES member within 10 days of registering for the conference at a non-member rate.

Early bird rates end 31 May 2023.

EARLY Members Rate (for Individual and Affiliate Members)

£160.00

EARLY Non-Member Rate

£260.00

EARLY Career Member Rate

£130.00

EARLY Career Non-Member Rate

£190.00

EARLY PhD/Student Member Rate

£100.00

EARLY PhD/Student Non-Member Rate

£150.00

STANDARD Member Rate (for Individual and Affiliate Members)

£180.00

STANDARD Non-Member Rate

£280.00

STANDARD Early Career Member Rate

£150.00

STANDARD Early Career Non-Member Rate

£210.00

STANDARD PhD/Student Member Rate

£110.00

STANDARD PhD/Student Non-Member Rate

£160.00

Costs for the virtual day

The virtual rate gives you access to the virtual stream taking place on 11 September.

Individual, Affiliate Member

£40

Non-Member (Individual, Affiliate)

£60

Early Career Member

£30

Early Career Non-Member

£50

PhD/Student Member

£20

PhD/Student Non-Member

£40

Planning your Stay

Find tips about accommodation, travel and what to do in Belfast.

Visit Belfast provides exclusive delegate offers for food, accommodation and more.

How to get to Belfast

Bus, train or flight?

Accommodation

Where to stay in Belfast?

Activities

What to do in Belfast?

Sponsors & Partners

Publishers & Partners

UACES: University Association for Contemporary European Studies

Registered Charity no. 1163773
© UACES 2019
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