The University of Girona (UdG) and the Transfrontier Euro-Institut Network (TEIN), with the support of the Borders in Globalization-21st Century project, are pleased to invite proposals for papers, panels, and round tables at the TEIN annual conference Beyond Borders: Culture, Language, and Identity in European Integration. The event will take place on October 21 and 22, 2025, at the Faculty of Arts, Universitat de Girona.
Conference Topics
We welcome submissions that address (but are not limited to) the following themes:
- Strategies for Cultural and Linguistic Preservation: Approaches to promoting, questioning, hybridizing, and preserving cultural and linguistic identities in border regions and across Europe.
- Language as a Vehicle for Exchange: The role of languages in enabling communication and strengthening cultural ties.
- Shared Cultural Heritage: Evaluating cross-border cultural heritage projects and their impact on community building.
- Educational Programs: Initiatives that promote multilingualism, intercultural understanding, and cross-border cultural exchange among students and institutions.
- Multiple Identities and European Identity: Exploring how local, regional, and national identities intersect and coexist with broader European identity.
- Cultural Expressions and Cooperation: How cultural practices—ranging from languages, literature, and history to gastronomy, tourism, or landscape—can foster mutual understanding and cooperation between neighboring regions.
- Success and Failure Stories: Case studies of when culture has been a driving force for cross-border cooperation, as well as situations where it has failed.
- Identity in Cooperation: How embracing diverse local or regional identities can enrich cross-border initiatives and build stronger partnerships.
Important Dates
- Abstract Submission Deadline: June 18th, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: June 30th, 2025
- Conference Dates: October 21–22, 2025
Submission Guidelines
- Abstracts: Please submit an abstract (through the website) of up to 1000 words, including references.
- Languages: Abstracts may be submitted in English, Catalan, Spanish, or French. Presentations during the conference should ideally be in English to foster international exchange, although presentations in any other language will be allowed.
- Submission Process: All abstracts should be submitted electronically through the conference webpage.
- 1st step: Sign up in the platform
- 2nd step: Go to Documentation > My documents in order to write and manage your abstract proposal.
- Review Process: Each submission will be peer-reviewed by at least two members of the Scientific Committee.
Presentation and Publication
- Conference Presentations: Accepted submissions will be allocated a 20 minute presentation slot, followed by a 10 minutes Q&A session.
- Conference Book of Abstracts: All accepted papers will be included in the Conference book of abstracts (to be made available digitally).
- Further Publication Opportunities: Selected papers may be invited for publication in a special issue of an academic journal or an edited volume.
Registration
- Registration Details: Registration is free, but mandatory through the Conference website.
- Travel and Accommodation: Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements and accommodation. Coffee breaks and lunches are free for the participants.
Organizers and Partners
This conference is jointly organized by the University of Girona (UdG) and the Transfrontier Euro-Institut Network (TEIN), with the support of the Borders in Globalization-21st Century project.
For any inquiries regarding the Call for Papers, sponsorship opportunities, or logistical details, please contact:
We look forward to receiving your proposals and welcoming you to Girona for a exchange of ideas on the role of culture, language, and identity in strengthening European integration!
