European Encyclopedia Network (EEN) Conference 2026

On 29–31 October 2026, Tbilisi hosted the European Encyclopedia Network (EEN) Annual Conference, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Main Scientific Editorial Office of the Georgian Encyclopedia.

The conference was attended by more than 20 representatives of 15 member organizations of the Network. Invited guests from the USA, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia also took part in the event.

The conference was opened by the Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, Mr. Givi Mikanadze, who addressed the audience, followed by the Editor-in-Chief of the Georgian Encyclopedia, Mr. Zurab Abashidze, the Chairman of the European Encyclopedia Network, Mr. Bruno Kragić and the Deputy Minister, Prof. Zviad Gabisonia. 

The presentations delivered during the conference addressed a range of challenges, including the integration of artificial intelligence into encyclopedic work; the influence of encyclopedias on society and their role in research evaluation systems; the importance of documenting historical and cultural monuments as a means of preserving national identity; and the challenges associated with the digitization of knowledge, among other topics. Discussions also took place in a round-table format.

At the end of the conference, elections for the organization's leadership were held. In accordance with the organization's charter, and following an open ballot and a majority vote, Valters Ščerbinskis (Latvian National Encyclopedia) was elected Chairman of the European Encyclopedia Network for a four-year term, while Nataša Jermen (The Miroslav Krleža Institute of Lexicography) and Erik Bolstad (Great Norwegian Encyclopedia) were elected Vice-Chairpersons.

As part of the conference programme, the guests also visited the National Museum of Georgia, as well as the historic town of Mtskheta, including the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

The next conference of the European Encyclopedia Network will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, in October 2027.