Over three decades of European social services exchange
The European Social Services Conference has been bringing together social services leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers across Europe since 1992. What began as a gathering among social service professionals has grown into the largest public social welfare policy and practice forum in Europe.
Below you can relive the most recent editions, exploring highlights, key themes, and full programme details. Each Conference reflects the challenges and opportunities shaping social services in its time, and together they trace the evolution of a field that touches the lives of millions of people across Europe.
The ESSC has now reached its 34th edition — and each year it grows larger, more international, and more relevant to the people and communities it serves.
ESSC 2026
Bridging Boundaries — International Insights into Social Services
ESSC 2026 took place in Valletta, Malta — the most international and best-attended edition in the Conference's history. It brought together social services professionals from across Europe and beyond to explore how public social welfare systems can bridge boundaries, share knowledge, and improve outcomes for the people they serve.
Explore earlier Conference highlights
Conference Highlights
32nd edition
Conference Highlights
31st edition
Conference Highlights
30th edition
Be part of the 35th edition in Vitoria-Gasteiz
ESSC 2027 takes place in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain from 15–18 June 2027. Register your interest now and be the first to receive programme announcements and registration details.
HTMLEOF echo "Done — $(wc -l < /mnt/user-data/outputs/essc2027-past-editions.html) lines" Output Done — 368 lines