Dear EAA Members, dear European Archaeologists!

We would like to  keep you informed about the steps we are taking following the Special Meeting per rollam vote.

Implementation of Special Meeting Motions

We are aware that some Members expected the voting results to be implemented immediately. We want to explain why this is not possible. Some motions require revisions to our Statutes, which must follow a legal process. Others touch on issues of such complexity and significance that a careful, considered approach will produce better and more durable outcomes than an urgent response. Where relevant, the final decisions will come back to you, our members, for endorsement in Athens.

In line with the decision endorsed by the membership in the 2025 Annual Membership Business Meeting per rollam vote, a Task Force has been established. The Executive Board is implementing that democratically expressed mandate.

The Task Force consists of representatives of the EAA Statutes Committee, EAA Nomination Committee, EAA Advisory Committees, the EAA Appeal and Anti-Harassment Committee, the Early Career Archaeologists Community (as representatives of the next generation of archaeologists), and two individual EAA members.

The Task Force will advise the Board on how the EAA Statutes could be applied in practice in relation to the motions of the Special Meeting and any proposed changes to Statutes needing to be voted upon and approved by members. It will develop a detailed action plan, prioritise tasks in terms of urgency, and define when its work is complete. Based on the Task Force's findings, any proposed changes will be brought back to members to vote on at the Athens AMBM.

The following outlines some target key milestones expected, addressing motions A-D of the Special Meeting per rollam voting:
By end-April: Review of the existing institutional suspensions policy, including a decision on its future form, and communication of that decision (motion A)
In parallel, by end-April: Review of the previous version of the Israel-Gaza statement and publication of a new statement (motion C)
By mid-May: thorough revision of the EAA Statutes, including but not limited to mechanism for the removal of Executive Board members (motion D); proposed Statutes amendments will be communicated to members by end-June
By end-August: review of internal guidelines (EAA Handbook) and decision-making processes, so that the Executive Board, including newly elected members and President, discuss, agree and follow any new rules.

Executive Board Renewal and 2026 Elections

The EAA election cycle ensures that members are democratically represented. The vacant positions on the Executive Board facilitate its renewal in relation to motion E. The EAA President, Eszter Bánffy, will resign as of 28 August 2026. The term of office of the EAA Secretary, Sally Foster, comes to an end on 28 August 2026. The EAA Vice-President, Ariane Ballmer, resigned as of 11 February 2026. Meanwhile the Executive Board members must ensure management of the EAA until any vacant posts are filled with newly elected candidates on 28 August 2026. Upon recommendation of the EAA Nomination Committee, Vibeke Vandrup Martens and Sofia Fonseca were co-opted to support the work of the Executive Board during this interim period.

Members are invited to nominate themselves or colleagues to become candidates in the EAA election by the 30 March deadline (https://www.e-a-a.org/EAA/EAA/Members/Elections/Call_for_nominations_2026.aspx). All current members will then be able to vote in the election and engage in the democratic processes and decision-making within the EAA. The outcome of this voting will be announced in Athens.

It is crucial that members actively participate in the life of the EAA so that the EAA can better serve its members. Thank you for your input and continued support.

Kind regards,
Executive Board