Twelfth International European Studies Conference "European Union in a Dynamic Global Context"

Who?
European Studies Department, Faculty of Philosophy, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, “Hanns Seidel” Foundation and Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies organise Twelfth International Conference “The European Union in a Dynamic Global Context”

When?
15-16 May 2025

Where?
The Conference venue will be held in UNITe Center of Excellence, Conference Hall, 5 James Bouchier Blvd, Sofia.

What?
The 12th international conference of the European Studies Department of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” aims at discussing the current challenges and perspectives for the development of the European Union in an increasingly complex global environment.

The five main panels are planned as follows:

• The European Union in a new Global Context

• Dis/Information and the online platforms in the EU

• Artificial Intelligence - a Threat or a Driver

• EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policies

• European Identity, Education, Skills and Culture

Why? The conference brings together professors and researchers from EU Member States, from candidate countries and countries - potential candidates for EU membership, or from countries that are part of the European Neighbourhood Policy. The event is open to representatives from other countries as well. It aims to provide a platform for academic exchange, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that the European Union and its neighbours are facing in the dynamic global environment.

Context:

The global landscape in which the European Union operates and evolves has been changing at an increasingly rapid pace in recent years. Security, political, migration, environment, digital and other changes modify the way we do business and live. In response, the EU must adapt to this dynamic global context.
The rise of disinformation presents significant challenges to democratic processes, as evidenced by recent events in Romania. Addressing the spread of disinformation and ensuring quality information in the digital age has become a critical area of focus for academics and policymakers alike. In addition to traditional channels, disinformation is increasingly being spread through unconventional platforms, such as gaming, which pose unique challenges for monitoring, regulation and protection on minors. The changes of the Big Tech policies in USA are rising new concerns in Europe as well.
Another significant focus at the EU policy level is Artificial Intelligence. The European Union is the first global and regional actor to establish comprehensive legislation addressing AI, recognising it as both a potential threat and a powerful driver of progress. Beyond the Artificial Intelligence Act, which came into force in August 2024, the EU is addressing issues such as AI liability, copyright implications in AI training, and other sector-specific challenges.
The EU enlargement and neighbourhood policies also experience new challenges in the effort to manage the relationships with the Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries. Recent political developments in Georgia and Moldova, such as rising political polarization and external influence, exemplify these difficulties. Finding a strategic solution to these complex issues is of crucial importance for the future of the European integration process.
The policies of the EU regarding identity, education and culture have also been very dynamic in recent years and are posing new research questions to academics and policymakers.

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