Call for Papers: for a conference on ‘Shifting institutional dynamics in EU external relations’, 12th December 2025
The Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut invite abstracts for a conference on ‘Shifting institutional dynamics in EU external relations’ that will take place on 12th December 2025 at the premises of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague.
The EU’s institutional landscape is based on Article 13 TEU and the institutional balance between the EU’s actors is determined by the specific powers and tasks assigned to them. The EU’s prime institutional set-up consisting of the European Parliament, European Council, Council and European Commission is also reflected in EU external action. At the same time, in the context of EU external action, we are witnessing the emergence of new institutional dynamics. The clout of the High Representative, the European External Action Service and the European Council President has significantly increased both in principle and in practice in the conduct of EU external relations policies. The same holds true for EU agencies, the European Ombudsman and the Member States. For instance, the management of recurring EU crises with an external dimension, such as Brexit or the migration crisis, has put strong emphasis on the role of Member States in the shaping of EU policies through and outside EU institutions. At the same time, the Court of Justice has contributed to constitutionalisation of the intergovernmental CFSP through its case law. The European Defence Agency (EDA) has spurred momentum for defence integration.
The conference invites submissions that explore and critically reflect on this shifting institutional landscape in EU external relations. A non-exhaustive list of topics that could be discussed:
- The role of EU Member States and of the European Council in EU external relations
- The role of the High Representative in legal proceedings
- The EEAS role in EU treaty-making and before the CJEU
- The Role of Council Presidencies in EU external relations
- The institutional role of the European Ombudsman in EU external relations
- The EP’s increased role in EU external relations
- The role of EU agencies and other bodies in EU external relations (including the EDA, Frontex, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), Team Europe)
- Questions of accountability and responsibility of EU agencies and bodies in light of their increased role in EU external relations
Abstracts of 500 words max. should be sent to [email protected] by 30 April 2025. Participants are expected to submit their papers by 1st November 2025. The conference will take place on 12th December 2025.
Limited travel funds are available upon request. Please indicate in your submission
whether you would require travel financial assistance.
Timeline:
- Deadline for submission of abstracts: 30 April 2025
- Notification of accepted papers: 15 May 2025
- Submission of draft papers: 1 November 2
For more details, refer here
