International Conference – 16 June 2026 The Present and the Future of EU Labour Law Call for Abstracts The Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, within the framework of the Jean Monnet Chair “ESP – European Social Policy”, is pleased to announce the Call for Papers for the forthcoming International Conference “The Present and the Future of EU Labour Law”, to be held in Bologna (Italy) on 16 June 2026.
We welcome the submission of abstracts consistent with the rationale and objectives of the event, which aims to foster debate on the present and future of EU labour law. Since the proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights in November 2017, we have witnessed a renewed EU social commitment aimed at creating a strong Social Europe that is fairer, more inclusive, and rich in opportunities. Despite its lack of binding force, the European Pillar of Social Rights has succeeded in relaunching the EU’s legislative social policy agenda, deeply influencing the development of EU labour law. The EU social agenda has also been shaped by recent transformations, which have placed issues such as sustainability and artificial intelligence at the centre of the EU’s attention and action.
In this context, the International Conference “The Present and the Future of EU Labour Law” seeks to bring together scholars and experts to discuss these evolving dynamics, including from a multidisciplinary perspective. The Conference will be organised into different thematic tracks and sessions featuring invited keynote speakers.

Lawyers and experts working in the field of EU social policy are invited to submit an abstract in English (maximum 500 words) to the Scientific Committee by 10 April 2026 at esp@unibo.it. The conference will be held exclusively in English and will be free of charge.