EAA 2026 Special Meeting outcome

This message was first sent to members and published on the EAA website on 11 February, and is republished on 11 March to ensure its continued visibility

The EAA Special Meeting, held on 9 January 2026, was convened following a request submitted on 7 October 2025 by 'concernedeaa', who proposed motions A–E. The per rollam voting took place on 16–31 January 2026. The draft minutes combine the Special Meeting discussion and the per rollam voting results. The minutes will be subject to approval at the 2026 Annual Membership Business Meeting in Athens.

In response to questions raised by Members following the Special Meeting regarding the ‘concernedeaa’ petition process and internal publication of signatories, the Executive Board has issued an information statement.

The above mentioned and previous documents are available to members here: https://www.e-a-a.org/EAA/Members/2026_Special_Meeting.aspx

The outcome of the per rollam voting on the motions proposed by ‘concernedeaa’ is critical for the EAA’s immediate and long-term governance and for its future direction. In order to give these results due consideration, and in line with the decision endorsed by the membership in the 2025 Annual Membership Business Meeting per rollam vote, the Executive Board will establish a Task Force. This Task Force will include representatives of the EAA Statutes Committee, all EAA Advisory Committees, the Early Career Community (as representatives of the next generation of archaeologists), and any other internal or external parties as required. The Task Force shall, with reference to the results of the 2025 Annual Membership Business Meeting per rollam voting, and the results of the 2026 Special Meeting per rollam voting:

1. Assist the Statutes Committee in a complete review of the EAA Statutes with specific reference to:

Defining the geographical scope of the Association; provision of a definition of what is meant by 'Europe' and 'European' and how this is to be determined.
Defining the scope of areas of interest of the Association; the extent to which topics other than an interest in archaeology / cultural heritage may be addressed (if at all)
Creating a mechanism for a vote of no confidence in Officers / Executive Board members and their forced removal.
Reviewing the EAA nomination and election procedure, including in cases of removal of serving Officers / Executive Board members.
Including in the duties of Officers and Executive Board members a specific requirement to act with integrity towards the Association and always in the best interest of the Association

2. Review how EAA Statutes are put into practice through internal guidelines and outward-facing documents;

3. Review internal decision-making processes within the EAA leadership / governance bodies;

4. Explore the fine line between Safe Space Policy and freedom of speech and review the updated EAA Handbook 3.20 on EAA Safe Space Policy;

5. Re-examine the practice of institutional suspensions, particularly the cases of Israel, Russia and Belarus, and define the respective EAA policy;

6. Review the third version of the Israel-Gaza statement of 2024 and come up with a new statement regarding the current situation in the region, as well as define / refine the respective EAA policy on its role in matters concerning endangered sites and conflict zones;

7. Assess how the EAA can optimally function as an academic forum;

8. Propose ways to restore trust, democratic governance and meaningful dialogue within the EAA.

The important work of the Task Force, and proper consideration of its recommendations, must not be rushed. The original timetable for establishing the Task Force has been unavoidably delayed by the organisation of the Special Meeting. We anticipate a package of recommendations— including proposals for revisions to the Statutes—will come to the Athens AMBM, for endorsement by the membership in the subsequent per rollam vote.

We expect the completion of the tasks to be prioritised and staged, recognising that the re-examination of the practice of institutional suspensions is a priority. Where feasible, other matters may be addressed on an ad hoc basis before Athens, including updates to internal EAA Handbook.

As Members of the EAA in 2026, we look forward to your contributing to all future voting, including in relation to Executive Board renewal. Members are reminded that nominations are sought by 30 March for new roles. The Nomination Committee is already seeking candidates for the roles of Incoming President, Secretary, three Executive Board Members and a Nomination Committee Member. An additional Executive Board Member is now also sought to replace the Vice President, who is stepping down with immediate effect.

Given their specific duties of care for the governance and business continuity of the EAA, the current President and Secretary will continue to serve the EAA until the next Annual Meeting. This decision overwrites their personal interests and wellbeing. The Nomination Committee has today been asked to note that the President wishes to stand down from September 2026, which means that there will be no expected 12-month overlap with the Incoming President. An updated Call for Nominations will follow.