Two major conferences in European political science have now opened their calls for papers — one from the newly formed European Political Science Society (EPSS), and the other from the European Political Science Association (EPSA). Both are scheduled for summer 2026, but they reflect very different organisations, origins, and values. This post sets out the key differences to help clarify where things stand.
Why are there two organisations?
EPSS was formed in 2025 following a decision by the EPSA Council — composed of elected representatives and officers — to create a new organisation better aligned with the principles of transparency, accountability, and reinvestment into the academic community. The move followed long-standing concerns about the governance and financial structure of EPSA. You can read more about why and how EPSS was founded, including the five-year process of evaluating reform proposals.
Former EPSA President, and Current EPSS President Professor Sara Hobolt announcing the founding of EPSS in June 2025
Governance Differences Between EPSS and EPSA
EPSS is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) registered in the UK, established to serve and reinvest in the European political science community. It is governed by an elected Council and Officers, including the same individuals who were elected under EPSA’s former governance and who voted at the 2025 Council Meeting to establish EPSS.
EPSA, by contrast, is operated by a privately held company, EPS Academic Ltd, based in Ireland. This company has two directors, Raymond Duch (Oxford) and Thomas Plümper (Vienna University of Economics and Business). Following the 2025 split, EPSA no longer has any elected governance, council, or officers beyond these two individuals, and no functioning constitution.
Conference Differences Between EPSS and EPSA in 2026
Both organisations are holding annual conferences in summer 2026, but the approach to planning, governance, and inclusion differs significantly.
EPSS 2026: Belfast, 18–20 June
• Programme: 19 thematic sections, each with two co-chairs, for a total of 38 members on the conference committee.
• Representation: Section chairs hail from 17 countries, with an even gender balance (53% women).
• Participation formats: Includes a range of innovative new formats, discussed and designed by the EPSS Council.
• Submission deadline: 7 November 2025. More info in the Call for papers
• Organised and run by the European Political Science Society, formed as a non-profit Community Interest Company.
EPSA 2026: Prague, 9–11 July
• Organised by EPS Academic Ltd.
TL;DR: Quick Summary of Key Differences
When and where is next year’s “EPSA”?
Answer: That community will be in Belfast, 18–20 June 2026.
Same community, new organisation, bigger mission; slightly new name; and a very different foundation: EPSS is run for the community, by the community, to reinvest in and build that community, rather than by a private company for private profit.