2017 EISS Conference: Devolution and Decentralisation of Social Security in Europe: Dismantling the Welfare State or a Democratic Promise for the Future?

In many developed states regional and local authorities are given more powers in the field of the development and management of social security and welfare. The background of this decentralisation trend is diverse. Local authorities are thought to be in close contact with the citizens and their organisations, which makes them suitable actors to involve civil society in the running of the welfare state. Also constitutional devolution may play a role, as some states are actively redefining the balance of power between central state and regional government, a process which also affects the architecture of the social security system. The background may also be financial; it is not unusual for central governments to involve local administration in realising budget cuts in exchange for more powers for the latter.

On 28^th and 29^th September 2017, the European Institute of Social Security (EISS) and the University of Groningen will host an international conference about the trend of devolution and decentralisation in social security. The conference aims to bring together academics, policy makers, social security administrators and client representatives. It has an outspoken ambition to present research from multiple disciplines, thereby contributing towards a more global understanding of the devolution and decentralisation trends in social security.

Conference set-up

Each of the conference days will be divided into two parts. In the first part, the keynote speakers will provide cutting edge presentations on the devolution and decentralisation trends in European welfare states. After lunch, the conference participants have the opportunity to choose from a number of specialised panel sessions on a variety of topics related to the themes devolution and decentralisation.

The set-up of the conference also aims to give the floor to a greater number of researchers (both young and more experienced). For example, the young researchers’ sessions are designed to provide young talent with the possibility to present their research findings to a wider academic audience. In addition, a book panel will allow academics who were invited to participate in the publication of a book bearing the same title as the conference to critically discuss each other’s contributions.

Venue

The EISS Conference 2017 will be held at the premises of the Protestantse Diaconie, Nieuwe Herengracht 18, Amsterdam. The Diaconie is situated right next to the Hermitage Amsterdam on the river Amstel. It offers a fine example of the grandeur of the charitable Institutions which came into being during the time of the Dutch Republic in the 17th and 18th century and is still partly used to shelter people in need. In the early evening of the 28th September there is a short guided historical tour through the premises of the buildings. The conference dinner and party will be held in the Court of the Diaconie.

Costs and registration

The registration fee for the EISS Conference 2017 is € 175 per person. It covers the participation costs, lunch on both days and the conference dinner including after-drinks at the get-together on Thursday 28^th September. Registration is possible until 17^st September 2017 by filling out the registration form. Conference attendance is limited to 100 participants, so please confirm your attendance as soon as possible.

The call for papers is open until the 1^th of August 2017.

Call for papers (pdf)
EISS website