2026 European Labour Law Young Scholars Meeting

Reframing Social Security and Labour Law Through Fundamental Rights
in a Deregulatory Context 

EUROPEAN LABOUR LAW YOUNG SCHOLARS (ELLYS) MEETING

12–13 November 2026
LIC Learning & Innovation Center, ULB–VUB
Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels

Conference theme and sponsoring

We are delighted to announce that the 2026 European Labour Law Young Scholars (ELLYS) meeting will be hosted in Brussels for the very first time. The event is organised under the umbrella of the International Society for Labour and Social Security Law (ISLSSL), the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Eutopia.

The central theme of the conference is: “Reframing Social Security and Labour Law Through Fundamental Rights in a Deregulatory Context.”

At a time when deregulation features prominently on policy agendas, its impact on fundamental rights is becoming increasingly significant. This is particularly true for vulnerable groups of the population, whose protection has traditionally been anchored in labour and social security law frameworks. These developments call for critical reflection on both the impact of deregulation and the need to balance flexibility with adequate labour and social protection in contemporary regulatory approaches.

About the ELLYS meetings

The annual ELLYS meetings bring together talented early career scholars (PhD candidates, early-career researchers, etc.) in labour and social security law from across Europe and aim to promote an academic dialogue between them in a collegial environment that encourages the open exchange of ideas. It provides a platform for early career academics to present and discuss their work with peers in an international and inspiring setting. 

To enhance engagement and promote active dialogue, the conference will feature several panels where early career researchers can present their research. Each session will be chaired by a professor or senior academic specialising in the panel's specific theme. They will be followed by a moderated discussion with the audience.

Program

The program can be found here.

Venue

The conference will be held at the LIC Learning & Innovation Center, ULB–VUB
Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels.

View campus map here: https://www.vub.be/en/about-vub/faculties-institutes-and-campuses/our-campuses/vub-main-campus-brussels/campus-map 

Scientific Committee

Prof. Dr. Eleni De Becker (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Prof. Dr. Evelien Timbermont (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Dr. Ceren Kasım (University of Hildesheim)

Assist. Prof. Dr. Martina Bassotti (Università Mercatorum)

Assist. Prof. Dr. Luka Mišič (University of Ljubljana)

Local Organising Commitee

Marthe Delodder (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Louize Hannah Knops (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)