Bridging Boundaries
International Perspectives on Social Services
The 34th ESSC is inviting contributions for presentations which examine how Europe and other parts of the world design, finance, and deliver systems of public social services that contribute to the resilience of our societies in a time of constant crises.
Under the theme Bridging Boundaries, this year’s conference seeks to explore and compare how key social services, such as child protection and family support, long-term care for people with disabilities and older adults, and social inclusion programmes, are designed, financed, and delivered across Europe.
With a strong focus on policy and operational practice, the event offers a unique opportunity to:
- Gain strategic insights into the organisation and delivery of social services in the host and other European countries;
- Benchmark national systems and international approaches against each other;
- Engage in dialogue that supports the development and alignment of effective, sustainable social services across Europe;
- Contribute to evidence-informed policy processes at both national and international levels.
Designed for decision-makers shaping the future of social services, this conference is a forum for critical reflection, peer exchange, and advancing practice and policy coherence across borders.
ESSC 2026 – Delegate Registration Now Open
Delegate registration is now open for the 2026 European Social Services Conference, will bring together leaders in social services from across the world to exchange and reflect on advancing policy coherence and learning across borders.
Engage in inspiring keynotes, interactive sessions, and discussions on how Europe and other parts of the world design, finance, and deliver systems of public social services that contribute to the resilience of our societies in a time of constant crises.
Early Bird Discount: Get 5% off when you register by 31 January 2026.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration to attend the 2026 ESSC is now open. Please follow these steps to register for the event:
- Sign in or create an account.
- Visit the ESSC Home Page.
- You will find the price associated with your registration at the top of the page.
- Your fee is based on your country level and organisation type.
- Follow the instructions to complete your registration.
- Once you have registered, download the Contribution Request & follow the instructions to complete payment via bank transfer.
Participation fees are as follows:
ESN Members
- Standard members €675
- Members from EU-14/neighbouring countries €575
- Members from Malta €610
Non-ESN Members
- Public organisations €790
- NGOs/voluntary sector €650
- Public and Third Sector Organisations from Malta €650
- Organisations from EU-14/neighbouring countries €610
- Private companies €1,150
EU-14: Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Kosovo, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
EU neighbouring countries: Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Palestine, Serbia, Syria, Tunisia, Türkiye and Ukraine.
Discounted fees
- If your organisation registers more than three delegates, your delegation will be entitled to an additional delegate at a discounted rate of 40% over the original fee.
- If your organisation registers 7 or more, you will be entitled to an additional delegate for free.
- Private companies can become official conference partners to ensure their visibility, be an exhibitor or be part of the programme and secure a number of delegates. Find out about partnership opportunities here.
Networking Dinner Fee: €43*
Fee covers:
All plenary and parallel sessions
Lunch on day 1 and on day 2
All coffee breaks
Networking Dinner*
Institutional reception
Not included:
Hotel accommodation
Travel to venue
*A nominal fee is charged for attendance at this social event
Please ensure the availability of funds from your organisation for delegate fees, travel, and hotel before submitting your proposal.