ILCS - Emerging Frontiers in EU Law: Adapting to a Changing Global Landscape
Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026
The International Legal Conference Series on EU Law (ILCS – EU Law) is an annual academic platform examining the evolving role of EU law in a rapidly changing global environment, with particular relevance for EU partner and candidate countries.
The inaugural edition, 4-5 June 2026 in Tbilisi, comes at a key moment as geopolitical instability, climate crises, digital transformation, and supply-chain vulnerabilities drive the EU to reassess its internal legal structures and external role.
The event brings together academics, practitioners, and policymakers for high-level legal, scientific dialogue through thematic panels and networking with leading EU law experts.
The 2026 Conference will focus on the following key topics:
What you will gain:
The year 2026 represents a critical moment in the evolution of EU law. Global pressures - including geopolitical instability, armed conflict, climate crises, digital transformation, and supply-chain vulnerabilities - are prompting the EU to reassess its internal legal frameworks and external role.
EU law - traditionally cantered on economic integration - has expanded into a sophisticated system of regulatory governance addressing security, sustainability, digital rights, resilience, global market dependencies and transnational justice. Entirely new legal subfields are currently emerging at remarkable speed, including AI and algorithmic governance, cybersecurity and data protection law, green transition and climate compliance law, competition and economic security frameworks, health crisis and biosecurity governance, strategic autonomy regulation.
This first edition of the International Legal Conference Series aims to chart, analyse and debate these transformations. It will lay the intellectual foundation for the annual series by identifying the structural forces reshaping EU law and assessing their implications for the EU and its partners, including states aspiring to deepen integration - among them Georgia.
The School of Law at the University of Georgia invites submissions for this inaugural edition of the International Legal Conference Series on EU Law (ILCS - EU Law). The conference is issuing a Call for both Research Papers and Research Posters. Research papers allow participants to present a full written analysis with detailed arguments, methodology, and evidence, while research posters offer a concise, visual snapshot of a study, highlighting its key insights. Posters communicate the essence of research at a glance, and papers provide the complete, structured narrative behind the work. Both formats enrich scholarly dialogue and provide complementary ways for participants to contribute to ILCS - EU Law 2026.
This is an international conference open to participants from all countries, institutions, and professional backgrounds.
There are no geographical restrictions, and all qualified experts are welcome to apply.
KU Leuven / Honorary Chair
The University of Georgia
The University of Georgia
The University of Georgia
European University Institute
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Maastricht University
Tbilisi State University
Georgia remains a welcoming destination for the global academic community. Most international scholars - including citizens of the EU, USA, UK, Canada, and Australia - continue to enjoy visa-free entry for up to one year.
For those from regions that require a visa, the official e-Visa Portal is the most efficient route. We strongly recommend that all guests verify their specific requirements through the official Geoconsul "Do I Need a Visa?" tool and secure their insurance documentation well in advance of the June conference.
Your journey will likely begin at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), located approximately 17 kilometers from the University. For a direct and comfortable transfer, the Bolt mobile app is the most reliable option, offering fixed-price rides that generally range from 30 to 50 GEL depending on the time of day.
For those arriving via Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) - a frequent choice for those using European budget carriers - coordinated shuttle services such as GeorgianBus or Omnibus are timed to meet arriving flights. These shuttles offer a scenic four-hour journey directly to Tbilisi’s city center for approximately 25-30 GEL. Additionally, the modern Georgian Railway offers high-speed train connections from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi Central Station, providing a comfortable alternative for the cross-country trip.
The main sessions of the conference are set to be held at the University of Georgia, School of Law (77a Merab Kostava Street). The campus is centrally situated and highly accessible via Tbilisi’s public transport network.
Navigating the city has become increasingly seamless; you may pay for any municipal bus or metro journey by simply tapping your international contactless Visa or Mastercard. The #337 blue bus provides a direct link from the airport to Heroes Square, just a short distance from the University. For real-time navigation, we recommend using Google Maps or the local TTC (Tbilisi Transport Company) website to plan your routes between your hotel and the conference halls.
To ensure a productive stay, we recommend selecting accommodation in the Saburtalo, Vera, or Vake districts, which offer a high density of hotels and cafes within walking distance of the University.
As you prepare for the June heat - which typically ranges from 20°C to 28°C - we suggest packing light professional attire and comfortable walking shoes. While digital payments are the standard across the city, keeping a small amount of Georgian Lari (GEL) is advisable for local markets or smaller traditional establishments.
We look forward to welcoming you to Tbilisi this June to explore the emerging frontiers of EU Law together. For any specific logistical inquiries or assistance with formal invitation letters for institutional purposes, please reach out to the ILCS team.
The conference represents an important step in strengthening scholarly dialogue and collaboration across the region and beyond. As part of this commitment, the conference book will bring together the intellectual contributions from interested participants presented at the event and Make them accessible to a wider academic audience through publication in a special issue of the Caucasus Journal of Social Sciences, published by the The University of Georgia Publishing House. In doing so, the conference aims not only to document the discussions and insights generated during the event, but also to create a lasting academic resource that can inspire further research and collaboration.
The conference book will reflect internationally recognized academic publishing practices, ensuring that the work presented gains visibility, credibility, and long-term relevance within the global scholarly community. With providing a structured and carefully edited volume, the publication will serve as a record of the conference and a platform for advancing ideas that emerge from it.
A dedicated editorial team and an international academic advisory board will guide the preparation of the volume. The preparation of the conference book will follow transparent editorial and review practices designed to support academic integrity and constructive scholarly exchange. Particular attention will be given to the clarity and accessibility of the publication. Each contribution will be presented in a consistent scholarly format, including clear titles, abstracts, keywords, and author affiliations. This structure not only enhances readability but also facilitates the discoverability and citation of the work in future research.
The conference book will be published with full bibliographic information and will be made available through academic platforms and institutional channels. With ensuring open accessibility and well-structured metadata, the publication will contribute to the international visibility of the research presented and help connect regional scholarship with global academic networks.
Beyond the conference sessions, we warmly encourage our guests to experience the rich cultural life of Tbilisi - a city where history, tradition, and modern creativity coexist in a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
Tbilisi has long served as a meeting point between Europe and Asia. Its architectural landscape reflects this layered past: from the ancient Narikala Fortress overlooking the city, to elegant 19th-century balconies, Art Nouveau facades, and contemporary urban spaces. The charming Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful wooden houses, offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s multicultural heritage. Visitors may also enjoy panoramic views from the historic Tbilisi Funicular, stroll through the vibrant Dry Bridge Market, or discover the atmospheric Meidan Bazaar, known for Georgian wines and traditional crafts.
Georgian culture is perhaps most deeply felt through its hospitality and cuisine. Food holds a special place in society, with every meal serving as an opportunity to honor tradition and strengthen relationships.Tbilisi’s diverse dining scene includes both traditional Georgian restaurants and international options, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. With one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions and a strong culture of shared meals and dialogue, Georgia offers a warm and welcoming environment that naturally complements academic exchange.
The conference will be hosted by the University of Georgia, one of the country’s leading private universities, recognized for its modern infrastructure, multicultural academic community, and strong commitment to quality education in both English and Georgian. Hosting both local and international students, the University provides an inspiring academic setting in the heart of the capital.
During the conference, we will suggest optional cultural activities, including guided city walks, visits to historical landmarks, and a traditional Georgian dinner, allowing participants to connect not only professionally, but also culturally.
09 March, 2026
Georgia remains a welcoming destination for the global academic community. Most international scholars - including citizens of the EU, USA, UK, Canada, and Australia - continue to enjoy visa-free entry for up to one year.
For those from regions that require a visa, the official e-Visa Portal is the most efficient route. We strongly recommend that all guests verify their specific requirements through the official Geoconsul "Do I Need a Visa?" tool and secure their insurance documentation well in advance of the June conference.
Your journey will likely begin at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), located approximately 17 kilometers from the University. For a direct and comfortable transfer, the Bolt mobile app is the most reliable option, offering fixed-price rides that generally range from 30 to 50 GEL depending on the time of day.
For those arriving via Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) - a frequent choice for those using European budget carriers - coordinated shuttle services such as GeorgianBus or Omnibus are timed to meet arriving flights. These shuttles offer a scenic four-hour journey directly to Tbilisi’s city center for approximately 25-30 GEL. Additionally, the modern Georgian Railway offers high-speed train connections from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi Central Station, providing a comfortable alternative for the cross-country trip.
The main sessions of the conference are set to be held at the University of Georgia, School of Law (77a Merab Kostava Street). The campus is centrally situated and highly accessible via Tbilisi’s public transport network.
Navigating the city has become increasingly seamless; you may pay for any municipal bus or metro journey by simply tapping your international contactless Visa or Mastercard. The #337 blue bus provides a direct link from the airport to Heroes Square, just a short distance from the University. For real-time navigation, we recommend using Google Maps or the local TTC (Tbilisi Transport Company) website to plan your routes between your hotel and the conference halls.
To ensure a productive stay, we recommend selecting accommodation in the Saburtalo, Vera, or Vake districts, which offer a high density of hotels and cafes within walking distance of the University.
As you prepare for the June heat - which typically ranges from 20°C to 28°C - we suggest packing light professional attire and comfortable walking shoes. While digital payments are the standard across the city, keeping a small amount of Georgian Lari (GEL) is advisable for local markets or smaller traditional establishments.
We look forward to welcoming you to Tbilisi this June to explore the emerging frontiers of EU Law together. For any specific logistical inquiries or assistance with formal invitation letters for institutional purposes, please reach out to the ILCS team.
06 March, 2026
The conference represents an important step in strengthening scholarly dialogue and collaboration across the region and beyond. As part of this commitment, the conference book will bring together the intellectual contributions from interested participants presented at the event and Make them accessible to a wider academic audience through publication in a special issue of the Caucasus Journal of Social Sciences, published by the The University of Georgia Publishing House. In doing so, the conference aims not only to document the discussions and insights generated during the event, but also to create a lasting academic resource that can inspire further research and collaboration.
The conference book will reflect internationally recognized academic publishing practices, ensuring that the work presented gains visibility, credibility, and long-term relevance within the global scholarly community. With providing a structured and carefully edited volume, the publication will serve as a record of the conference and a platform for advancing ideas that emerge from it.
A dedicated editorial team and an international academic advisory board will guide the preparation of the volume. The preparation of the conference book will follow transparent editorial and review practices designed to support academic integrity and constructive scholarly exchange. Particular attention will be given to the clarity and accessibility of the publication. Each contribution will be presented in a consistent scholarly format, including clear titles, abstracts, keywords, and author affiliations. This structure not only enhances readability but also facilitates the discoverability and citation of the work in future research.
The conference book will be published with full bibliographic information and will be made available through academic platforms and institutional channels. With ensuring open accessibility and well-structured metadata, the publication will contribute to the international visibility of the research presented and help connect regional scholarship with global academic networks.
05 March, 2026
Beyond the conference sessions, we warmly encourage our guests to experience the rich cultural life of Tbilisi - a city where history, tradition, and modern creativity coexist in a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
Tbilisi has long served as a meeting point between Europe and Asia. Its architectural landscape reflects this layered past: from the ancient Narikala Fortress overlooking the city, to elegant 19th-century balconies, Art Nouveau facades, and contemporary urban spaces. The charming Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful wooden houses, offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s multicultural heritage. Visitors may also enjoy panoramic views from the historic Tbilisi Funicular, stroll through the vibrant Dry Bridge Market, or discover the atmospheric Meidan Bazaar, known for Georgian wines and traditional crafts.
Georgian culture is perhaps most deeply felt through its hospitality and cuisine. Food holds a special place in society, with every meal serving as an opportunity to honor tradition and strengthen relationships.Tbilisi’s diverse dining scene includes both traditional Georgian restaurants and international options, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. With one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions and a strong culture of shared meals and dialogue, Georgia offers a warm and welcoming environment that naturally complements academic exchange.
The conference will be hosted by the University of Georgia, one of the country’s leading private universities, recognized for its modern infrastructure, multicultural academic community, and strong commitment to quality education in both English and Georgian. Hosting both local and international students, the University provides an inspiring academic setting in the heart of the capital.
During the conference, we will suggest optional cultural activities, including guided city walks, visits to historical landmarks, and a traditional Georgian dinner, allowing participants to connect not only professionally, but also culturally.
Hear from distinguished EU law scholars and experts from leading European universities
01Connect with academics, practitioners, policymakers, and young researchers from across Europe and the region.
02Explore how EU law influences global regulation, international cooperation, and candidate countries.
03Gain fresh insights into emerging legal fields such as digital regulation, climate law, and economic security.
04Build meaningful academic and professional connections through dedicated networking events.
05Join a diverse international community shaping future research and collaboration in EU law.
06
