The Institute of Public Policy – Lisbon (IPP) is organising the 24th ESPAnet Annual Conference, which will take place from 26 to 28 August 2026 at the ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics & Management, in Lisbon, under the theme “Resize? Restructure? The European Social Model under Pressure”.
The conference invites researchers, academics and public policy experts to reflect on the growing challenges facing the European social model, in a context marked by profound economic, social and political transformations.
The current global geo-economic and strategic environment is characterised by trade tensions, the intensification — or threat — of military conflicts, the challenges posed by climate change, and the structural transformation of economies driven by technological innovation and artificial intelligence. At the same time, the growing popularity of populist and far-right movements is reshaping the political debate around the welfare state, influencing both the composition of pro-welfare constituencies and the policy priorities that guide social protection frameworks.
Against this background, the 24th ESPAnet Annual Conference aims to examine how these and other developments are reshaping the European social model and the broader debates on the future of the welfare state. Key questions include the role and limits of social protection in European societies, the criteria for access to social protection mechanisms, and the most effective ways of ensuring their implementation.
The scientific programme of the conference is organised into several thematic streams, addressing different dimensions of the challenges faced by social protection systems in Europe and fostering debate on the future of the European social state.
Registration and General Information
Registrations for the conference are now open. Click here to register for the conference.
Early Bird registration deadline: 30 June 2026.
The registration fee includes coffee breaks and lunches throughout the three days of the conference, the welcome reception, and the official conference dinner, which will take place on 27 August 2026.
Accommodation, travel, insurance and other personal expenses are not included in the registration fee.
Payment
Payment must be made exclusively by bank transfer within 30 days of registration. Detailed instructions will be provided during the registration process.
Invoicing
An invoice will be issued within 15 days following confirmation of payment by the Organising Committee.
Cancellation Policy
Participants who cancel their registration by 20 July 2026 will be entitled to a 50% refund of the amount paid.
After this date, no refunds will be issued.
For detailed information on the registration and submission process, please refer to the instructions provided by the organisers.
How to Get to ISEG
Public transport is recommended, with stops at Assembleia da República or Calçada da Estrela, both located within a few minutes’ walk from the campus.
Bus
706 and 727 — Av. D. Carlos I (1 minute walk)
713 and 773 — Rua Borges Carneiro (5 minutes walk)
714, 760 and 774 — Largo Conde Barão (5 minutes walk)
728 — Av. 24 de Julho (7 minutes walk)
Tram
25 and 28 — Calçada da Estrela (2 minutes walk)
15 and 18 — Av. 24 de Julho (5 minutes walk)
Metro
Yellow Line — Rato Station (10 minutes walk)
Green Line — Cais do Sodré Station (15 minutes walk)
Train
Cascais Line — Santos Station (7 minutes walk)
Campus Access
The campus can be accessed via two main entrances:
- Rua das Francesinhas entrance – after entering the campus, proceed up the internal stairs to the top, where the Quelhas 6 building is located. Please follow the on-site signage.
- Rua do Quelhas, no. 6, or parking access – these entrances provide direct access to the building.
The organisers recommend using the Rua das Francesinhas entrance.
During the event, clear signage will be displayed across the campus to guide participants to the ESPAnet Conference.
Program Overview