John Erik Fossum contributed to several sessions at the 13th Biennial Conference of the ECPR Standing Group on the European Union (SGEU), hosted by the University of Catania, Italy. His participation reflected a broad engagement with key debates on European integration, democratic governance, EU external relations, Brexit and the politics of coordination in Europe.
In the panel “Revisiting National EU Coordination After Lisbon and an Era of Crisis”, Fossum presented the paper “National Coordination of European Policy: The Case of Norway”, examining how a non-member state coordinates its relationship with the European Union in a context marked by institutional complexity and repeated crises.
He also presented “The European Union’s Approach to Difference and Conflict: Reconciliation, Accommodation and Integration” in the panel “Transnational Dynamics in European Politics: Actors, Arenas, and Practices”. The paper explored how the EU addresses difference and conflict through multiple political and institutional strategies, contributing to broader discussions on integration, accommodation and democratic pluralism.
Fossum further participated as both discussant and paper presenter in the panel “Living with the Neighbours: The UK and Europe After Brexit”, where he presented “Triangular Norway–UK–EU Relations Post-Brexit”. The presentation addressed the changing relationship between Norway, the United Kingdom and the European Union after Brexit, highlighting the shifting dynamics of European cooperation beyond formal EU membership.
In addition to presenting his research, Fossum chaired the panel “Human Rights NGOs and Advocacy Coalitions in EU Foreign Policy” and co-chaired the panel “Promoting Information Integrity in the EU: The Role of Media and Social Actors against Platform-Dominated Markets”. Across these roles, his contribution helped connect debates on European integration, external relations, information integrity and democratic governance.
Date: 1–3 July 2026
Location: Catania, Italy
Conference: 13th Biennial Conference of the ECPR Standing Group on the European Union
Participant: John Erik Fossum
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