The concept of belonging has become increasingly complex in contemporary legal and political discourse. Processes such as globalization, migration, and socio-political transformation challenge traditional understandings of membership, identity, and rights. This conference aims to examine the evolving nature of belonging through the lenses of citizenship, migration, equality, and the protection of vulnerable groups, including national and religious minorities.
We welcome contributions from scholars in law, political science, sociology, gender studies, and related disciplines to explore how legal frameworks, public policies, and social practices shape, negotiate, and contest belonging at national, regional, and global levels. The conference particularly welcomes interdisciplinary and comparative approaches.
Day 1
LAW. PUBLIC POLICY.
Citizenship in National, Regional, and Global Contexts
Panel 1: Citizenship in International and European Law: Principles, Tensions, and Contemporary Developments
This panel welcomes contributions addressing the role of international and European law in shaping citizenship regimes, including questions of sovereignty, supranational citizenship, and the evolving relationship between states and individuals.
Panel 2: Citizenship within National Legal Orders: In Search of an Ideal Model
Comparative Perspectives on Jus Soli and Jus Sanguinis, Merit-Based Citizenship, Loss of Citizenship, Linguistic Requirements, and the Relationship between Law and Public Policy.
This panel focuses on contemporary approaches to citizenship regulation within national legal systems and the tensions between legal norms, political priorities, and social inclusion.
Panel 3: Multiple Citizenship: Legal Membership in Multiple Civic Communities
Prospects, Challenges, Trends, and Legal Implications.
This panel addresses the phenomenon of multiple citizenship and examines its legal, political, and social consequences for states and individuals alike.
Day 2
LAW. POLITICAL SCIENCE. SOCIOLOGY.
Migration, Equality, and Minority Protection
Panel 1: Migration, Gender, and Public Policy: Intersectional Perspectives
This panel invites contributions examining migration policies and their gendered implications, with particular attention to intersectionality, vulnerability, labor, family reunification, and access to rights.
Panel 2: Minority Rights in Contemporary Societies: Ethnic and Religious Dimensions
This panel focuses on the legal and political protection of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly in the contexts of migration, multiculturalism, and multinational societies.
Possible Topics
Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
- citizenship and statelessness
- migration governance
- minority protection
- gender and mobility
- nationalism and identity
- multilingualism and integration
- human rights and belonging
Submission Guidelines
Participants are invited to submit an abstract of up to 300 words by 30 June, 2026 via Registration form. The abstract must contain the title of the presentation, the name(s) of the author(s), and the affiliation(s). Applicants are also encouraged to include references to recent publications relevant to the conference topic, if available.
Limited financial support for travel and accommodation may be available to selected participants.
Practical Information
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- Dates: 17–18 September 2026
- Location: Vilnius (venue to be confirmed)
- Working language: English
- Conference format: The conference will be held primarily in person. Online participation will be available for audience members and non-presenting participants.
- Registration form: Conference Registration Form
- Abstract submission deadline: 30 June 2026
- Deadline for audience participants: 1 August 2026
- Participation in the conference is free of charge
We invite researchers at all career stages, as well as practitioners and students, to present their work and contribute to an interdisciplinary discussion on belonging and its multiple dimensions.
Further details regarding submission procedures and registration will be announced soon.
For inquiries, please contact: dep.social@ehu.lt
