Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to invite you to the International Conference on Social and Labour Law: 20 years of EU Membership – Labour Law and Social Security Law in Central and Eastern Europe, a significant academic event dedicated to the commemoration and exploration of the 20-year anniversary of the accession of several Central and Eastern European (CEE) states, including Czechia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Poland, to the European Union in 2004. This conference will take place on 6.-7.6.2024 at the Charles University in Prague.

Over the past two decades, the accession of CEE states to the European Union in 2004 has ushered in a new era of legal harmonization and cooperation, significantly impacting the social and labour law landscape within these nations. The influence of EU law on the development of national social law cannot be understated. The integration into the EU framework has led to a convergence of legal norms, standards, and principles that aim to ensure consistent protection of fundamental social rights across member states.

EU law has played a pivotal role in driving the transformation of national social law systems. The legal instruments and principles introduced by the EU have served as catalysts for progressive reforms, enhancing the rights and protections of workers, marginalized communities, and vulnerable groups within the CEE region. However, it is important to acknowledge that while significant strides have been made, there remains a considerable amount of work to be done. Challenges such as ensuring effective implementation, addressing gaps in enforcement, and adapting to new dynamics in the global economy necessitate a continued commitment to further harmonizing and strengthening social and labour law across member states. The next phase of development calls for sustained collaboration between legal scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to address these challenges and uphold the fundamental principles of social justice, fairness, and equal opportunity.

As we convene to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of accession, this conference provides a platform to reflect on the transformative influence of EU law on national social law systems. By examining the dynamic interplay between EU directives, national legislation, and evolving judicial interpretations, we aim to shed light on the achievements and challenges faced by CEE states in their quest to harmonize social and labour law while retaining their unique socio-cultural identities. Through collaborative discussions, we can better comprehend the intricate relationship between supranational EU law and the domestic legal landscapes of our nations, paving the way for informed future reforms and strategies.

The conference aims to bring together legal scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers from across the world to engage in insightful discussions and critical analyses of the developments, challenges, and accomplishments in social and labour law within the context of the CEE region over the past two decades. The conference will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary exchange, fostering new perspectives and innovative solutions in the field.