The Conference is organised in the framework, and with the support, of ‘Global Governance, Regionalisation and Regulation: the Role of the EU’ (GARNET, Network of Excellence, 6th EU Framework Programme for Research, 2005-2010). Through the Conference, GARNET aims to continue the development of a world-class multi-disciplinary network of researchers, analysts and practitioners with expertise in key areas of global and regional governance with a particular focus on Europe’s role. The Conference in particular constitutes one of the core activities of the GARNET jointly executed research project on ‘Theoretical issues on the EU, UN multilateralism and global governance’. It is, however, expressly open to participation from non- GARNET members.

The Conference will provide a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas among the growing number of scholars that take an interest in understanding the interface of EU and international politics and law. Interest in the role and place of the European Union in international affairs has grown in different sections of the scientific community, including foreign policy analysis, the investigation of international institutions, international political economy, international and European law, European Studies (including comparative analysis of policy and law in EU member states), policy studies, and development studies as well as other fields. The Conference will also attempt to foster exchange between the academic and policy communities, especially through keynote addresses by senior policymakers and a number of ‘policy link’ panels featuring a mixture of academics and practitioners. In total, we expect up to 150 conference participants.