UACES 56th Annual Conference 2026
Early Bird Registration Now Open
Early bird registration is now open for the UACES 56th Annual Conference, taking place at Charles University's Jinonice Campus in Prague from 7–9 September 2026, with a dedicated Virtual Day on 18 September.
Registering during the early bird period offers the best value rates, with savings of up to £50 compared to standard registration. UACES members benefit from additional savings, with member rates up to £160 lower than non‑member fees. Early registration secures your place at one of the leading international conferences in European Studies and allows greater flexibility when planning travel, funding and participation.
Early Bird Offer Closes: Sunday 31 May 2026
This year’s conference will explore the ways Europe is constructed, contested and reimagined in national discourses. Discussions will address how political narratives shape the public perceptions of European integration across member states and beyond. Throughout the programme and plenaries, participants will consider how national perspectives both challenge and enrich the vision of a shared, inclusive Europe.
Why Prague?
Prague is one of Europe’s most vibrant and historic cities, blending a rich cultural heritage with a dynamic academic community. The conference will be held at the newly modernised Jinonice campus of Charles University, which offers excellent facilities just 15 minutes from the city centre. We hope that delegates will enjoy the perfect mix of academic discussion, exciting social and networking opportunities, and a chance to explore Prague’s iconic sights.
Key Dates
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Call for Papers: Closed
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Registration Opens: 20 April 2026
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Early Bird Offer Closes: Sunday 31 May 2026
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Registration Closes: Sunday 26 July 2026
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Conference: 7-9 September 2026
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Virtual conference: Friday 18 September 2026
UACES members benefit from exclusive discounted fees to attend the conference. Become a member now and save on your conference fees. Funding and support is also available for eligible UACES members, including students, early‑career researchers and those with caring or visa‑related needs.
Important Travel Update: The EU is introducing new biometric border checks for non-EU visitors, including UK nationals. Please review our guidance on what this means for your journey.
2026 Conference Agenda
The conference agenda is now available to view. It outlines the planned panels, plenary sessions and workshops taking place across the three main conference days, covering a wide range of themes in European Studies, including national discourses, European integration, governance and contemporary political and social developments.
The agenda will continue to be updated as sessions are confirmed and scheduled. Please note that all timings, sessions and room allocations remain subject to change.
Conference Rates
All prices are in GBP and include Czech VAT at 21%
- Early Bird Rates (in-person)
Members: £260.00
Early-Career/PhD Members: £190.00
Student Members: £145.00
Non-Members: £420.00
Early-Career/PhD Non-Members: £270.00
Student/PhD Researcher Non-Members: £215.00
- Standard Rates (in-person)
Members: £310.00
Early-Career/PhD Members: £240.00
Student Members: £195.00
Non-Members: £470.00
Early-Career/PhD Non-Members: £320.00
Student/PhD Researcher Non-Members: £265.00
- Day Rate (in-person)
Members: £105.00
Student Members: £65.00
Non-Members: £145.00
Student/PhD Researcher Non-Members: £75.00
- Virtual Day
Members: £60.00
Early-Career/PhD Members: £50.00
Student Members: £35.00
Non-Members: £110.00
Early-Career/PhD Non-Members: £80.00
Student Non-Members: £60.00
Not a member but want to access the member conference rate and save up to £160?
Become a UACES member either before registering, or by selecting the combined membership and registration option, which allows you to join UACES and access the discounted member conference rate in one simple transaction. Both options give you a full year of UACES membership, and immediate access to the discounted conference rate.
UACES membership also includes:
- Access to funding opportunities, including travel support and microgrants
- Reduced rates for UACES events throughout the year
- Research resources, blogs and newsletters
- Opportunities to win UACES awards, join research networks and vote in UACES elections
Themed Tracks
Themed Tracks at the UACES 56th Annual Conference bring together panels that explore connected themes in contemporary European Studies across disciplines including law, economics, geography, history, sociology, public policy and politics. Developed by established academics, practitioners and well-prepared doctoral researchers, the Tracks reflect the diverse expertise and perspectives within the UACES community. We particularly welcome proposals from students, researchers and practitioners from under-represented groups and regions, including the Global South, and from disciplines less well represented in European Studies.
Funding Opportunities
Caring Responsibilities
UACES recognises that it is not always easy for people with caring responsibilities to attend Annual Conferences in person. We want to make this a little easier by offering funding to those who need it.
We have a limited pot of funding available to those who need assistance with caring responsibilities. Delegates attending the in-person conference will be able to apply for a fixed grant of £100 to help with covering the costs of caring. This can be used in the most appropriate way for you and those for whom you care.
Visa Requirements
UACES recognises that it is not always easy for people who require visas to attend the Annual Conferences in person. We want to make this a little easier by offering funding to those who need it.
We have a limited pot of funding available to help those who need assistance with visa costs. Delegates attending the in-person conference will be able to apply for a grant of up to £100 to help towards covering the costs of visas.
Travel Support
Student, PhD Researcher, and Early-Career Members of UACES are eligible to receive for travel support for the Annual Conference.
UACES will pay up to 50% of you travel expenses for travel to/from Prague up to a maximum of £100, or £75 if travelling within the same country.
For more information on funding available, please visit this link: https://www.uaces.org/Conference-Funding
Old Town Square
Prague’s Old Town Square, founded in the 12th century, is the city’s most important historic square and the setting for many key events. It features the Old Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady before Týn, as well as the Baroque Church of St Nicholas, the Rococo Kinský Palace, the Gothic House at the Stone Bell and the Jan Hus monument. The paving stones also mark the execution site of 27 Czech lords in 1621 and the Prague meridian.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the official residence and workplace of the Czech president and one of the most enduring symbols of Prague. Founded in the 9th century, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors and modern presidents, with the Bohemian Crown Jewels hidden within its walls. Covering almost 70,000 square metres, Guinness World Records recognises it as the largest ancient castle in the world. Today, it is Prague’s most visited attraction, welcoming millions of visitors each year to its palaces, courtyards and panoramic views.
Statue of Kafka
This striking 11‑metre sculpture reveals the face of Franz Kafka as its 42 moving steel layers slowly rotate into alignment. Weighing 39 tonnes, David Černý’s kinetic bust has been turning heads since 2014 and is one of Prague’s most distinctive modern landmarks, standing above the Quadrio complex at the metro station below.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most iconic sights and a favourite with photographers from around the world. Lined with 30 statues of saints, the bridge feels like an open-air gallery where history, legend and spirituality meet beneath its Gothic towers. By night, the glow of gas lamps transforms the stone into something magical, bringing old Prague tales to life and giving the bridge its unmistakable, mystical atmosphere.
Important update for non-EU participants
As of April 2026, the European Union will fully implement its new Entry/Exit System (EES) – a digital border control system that replaces passport stamping with biometric registration, namely facial and fingerprint scans.
The system will apply to all non-EU visitors entering the Schengen Area, including UK citizens, on your first entry to the Schengen Zone. Once registered, subsequent crossings will be faster and require only identity verification.
What this means for delegates:
- On your first entry to the EU under the new system, you’ll be asked to provide biometric data (photo and fingerprints).
- The process is quick, secure, and done at border control, with no pre-registration needed. Once registered, you will not need to repeat the process on future visits.
- Please allow extra time at airports and train stations when entering the Schengen Area for the first time after the new system launches.
We recommend reviewing the official EU guidance here before travelling.
Interested in sponsoring the Annual Conference?
Partnering with UACES is more than just visibility - it’s about positioning your organisation at the heart of European Studies, engaging with a network of academics, practitioners, and policymakers that influence the future of the field.
We offer flexible, customised partnership options to meet your specific objectives whether it’s brand alignment, audience engagement, or thought leadership positioning.