More than 950 social services leaders, policymakers, innovators, and researchers arrived in the Maltese capital, Valletta, on 17-20 May 2026 with a shared conviction: that the future of social services is built through collaboration, not in isolation.
The 34th European Social Services Conference (ESSC) made history. With delegates coming from more than 40 countries, 130 speakers, and 45 sessions, as well as being the largest gathering in the event's history, the event was a powerful signal of just how urgently the sector is seeking answers by working together.
Bridging boundaries by building solutions
Under the theme “Bridging Boundaries: International Insights into Social Services”, this year's conference placed cross-border knowledge exchange at its core. Delegates from across Europe and beyond explored how diverse systems and the professionals driving these, innovate, learn from one another, and co-create transformative solutions to shared challenges.
From comparative models of child protection and family support to integrated long-term care for older adults and people with disabilities, sessions revealed both the diversity and the common ground that binds social services systems across nations. The message resonating through every room was clear: no single country holds all the answers, but together, we shape many of them.
Knowledge that moves the needle
For the European Social Network (ESN), the ESSC is far more than an annual event. It is the most important opportunity to drive the evidence-informed policy development and peer learning that public social services across Europe depend on. Record attendance this year reflects growing recognition that demographic change, rising complexity, and fiscal pressure demand coordinated, international responses.
As underlined by Alfonso Lara Montero, CEO of the European Social Network, “While we see our economic, social and political context differing, countries across Europe and beyond are dealing with common questions”. That’s why national and cross-national studies presented in Valletta are already shaping policy decisions and supporting the harmonisation of quality standards across Europe. This is a practical, transformative impact.
Looking forward together
The next chapter is already on the horizon. The 35th European Social Services Conference will take place in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, on 15-18 June 2027. Mark your calendars and register for the newsletter so you don't miss the next updates!
