The programme opens with a roundtable discussion on the present and future of European studies, bringing together Prof. Hylke Dijkstra (Maastricht University Europe Chair, Studio Europa Maastricht) and Prof. Antoaneta Dimitrova (Professor of Comparative Governance, Institute of Security and Global Affairs, Leiden University). The conversation will be moderated by Prof. Theresa Kuhn (ACES Academic Director).

Town hall meeting and drinks reception

This will be followed by a town hall meeting, chaired by Prof. Brian Burgoon (ACES Academic Co-Director), dedicated to ACES-related matters and to updates from the Thematic Groups. The event concludes with a drinks reception, offering an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and welcome new members to the ACES community as we begin the new academic year together.