The Vrije Universiteit Brussel, in collaboration with the DEUCE Consortium, is pleased to announce the Call for Papers for the Final Conference on European Uncontested Claims Enforcement. This conference is part of the framework of the Digitalising European Uncontested Claims Enforcement (DEUCE) Project and marks the conclusion of its research activities.
The event will present the project’s principal findings and provide a supranational forum for academics, practitioners, policymakers, and doctoral researchers to engage in discussions on the future of digital enforcement across the European Union.
Dates: 19–20 February 2026
Venue: HOEK 38, Rue de Louvain 38, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Organisers: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & the DEUCE Consortium
Venue: HOEK 38, Rue de Louvain 38, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Organisers: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & the DEUCE Consortium
Conference Focus
The conference will examine how digitalisation, technology, and cross-border cooperation are transforming enforcement mechanisms in the EU. It will address key challenges and opportunities in areas such as cross-border enforcement, interoperability, data governance, digital fairness, and consumer protection.
Specific topics include:
- Enforcement, Cooperation, and Technology
- The Future of Cross-Border Enforcement in the EU
- Digitalisation of Enforcement and the DEUCE IT Platform
- Digital Consumer Protection and Future Cooperation
- Digital Fairness in Consumer Rights Enforcement
- Empowering Consumers in the Algorithmic Age
Early-career researchers are particularly encouraged to submit contributions and participate in exchanges with experts in the field.
Thematic Areas
Submissions are invited on, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Enforcement in the Digital State
- Algorithmic Enforcement, Accountability, and Oversight
- Cross-Border Cooperation and Data Sovereignty
- Blockchain and IT Platforms for Enforcement
- Smart Contracts and Transparency in Enforcement
- Algorithmic Fairness and Digital Consumer Rights
- Crypto-Assets and Cross-Border Enforcement
- Digital Inclusion and Access to Remedies
Key Dates
- 16 January 2026 – Abstract submission deadline (~500 words)
- 26 January 2026 – Notification of acceptance
- 19–20 February 2026 – Conference presentations
- 31 March 2026 – Full paper submission
- 30 April 2026 – Notification after double-blind peer review
- 30 June 2026 – Publication of selected papers in an edited volume
Submission Details
- The submission process is two-stage (abstract followed by full paper).
- Full papers (6,000–10,000 words) will undergo double-blind peer review.
- Accepted presenters will receive an official certificate of presentation.
- Submissions must be anonymous, in English, and uploaded via EasyChair.
Contact Information
Academic inquiries:
Prof. Marco Giacalone, Conference Chair — Marco.Giacalone@vub.be
Prof. Marco Giacalone, Conference Chair — Marco.Giacalone@vub.be
Logistical questions:
Ms. Susanna Picariello, Conference Liaison — Susanna.picariello@vub.be
Ms. Susanna Picariello, Conference Liaison — Susanna.picariello@vub.be
About the DEUCE Project
The DEUCE project advances the enforcement of judicial decisions and promotes the digitalisation of cross-border procedures in pecuniary claims. It develops a roadmap of enforcement rules across 26 EU Member States and prototypes an IT platform and blockchain system to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in the enforcement of European orders for payment.