This international conference at the University of Amsterdam deals with two urgent dilemmas facing the European Union today: integration versus disintegration and positive politicization versus negative politicization. In the face of the multiple ‘crises’ currently facing the EU, the Union’s institutions have evolved. Yet despite this, a patchwork approach has prevailed and no comprehensive solution is in sight. Against this background, this conference aims to bring together leading scholars and shed light on two interlinked dilemmas. To what extent are we facing a stagnation or even a reversal of the integration process, and to what extent, alternatively, are we edging towards further integration? To what extent is the process of politicization of the EU inherently “negative”, or under which conditions can it become an enabling, rather than a constraining factor in the integration process?

Confirmed speakers, among others, Philippe Schmitter (EUI Florence), Liesbet Hooghe and Gary Marks (University of North-Carolina Chapel Hill), Vivien Schmidt (Boston University), Hanspeter Kriesi (EUI Florence), Frank Schimmelfenning (ETH Zürich), Markus Jachtenfuchs (Hertie School of Governance), and Michael Zürn (Berlin Social Sciences Centre).

The conveners are Jonathan Zeitlin and Francesco Nicoli. More information and registration here.
Time & location: 13 and 14 October 2017, University of Amsterdam, Doelenzaal, University Library, Singel 425, Amsterdam