European Association of Archaeologists

European Association of Archaeologists
Name	European Association of Archaeologists
Founded	0 1994
Location	Prague, Czech Republic
Focus	Archaeology
Website	https://www.e-a-a.org

European Association of Archaeologists. The European Association of Archaeologists is a prominent learned society and professional body dedicated to advancing archaeological research, practice, and heritage management across Europe and beyond. Founded in 1994 at a foundational meeting in Ljubljana, it has grown to become a primary forum for scholarly exchange, ethical debate, and policy advocacy within the discipline. The association fosters collaboration among archaeologists from diverse academic traditions and supports the dissemination of knowledge through its prestigious journal, annual congresses, and various thematic networks.

History

The establishment of the association was formally proposed during the annual conference of the Institute of Archaeology in London in 1992, catalyzed by the profound political and intellectual transformations following the fall of the Iron Curtain. Its inaugural meeting was subsequently held in 1994 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with key early figures including Kristian Kristiansen and Slavko Ciglenečki. The creation of the EAA provided a crucial pan-European platform to bridge the divide between Western and Eastern European archaeological communities that had developed during the Cold War. Since its foundation, it has expanded significantly, reflecting the growth of European integration and the increasing importance of transnational heritage issues, with its permanent Secretariat established in Prague in 2003.

Objectives and activities

The association's core objectives are to promote the development of archaeological research and the exchange of archaeological information, to advance the management and interpretation of the European archaeological heritage, and to promote proper ethical and scientific standards for archaeological work. Key activities include organizing the Annual Meeting, publishing the journal The European Journal of Archaeology, and facilitating numerous thematic Interest Groups and Communities on subjects ranging from Digital Archaeology to Archaeology and Conflict. It actively engages with European policy-making bodies like the European Commission and the Council of Europe on matters concerning cultural heritage, such as the implementation of the Valletta Convention.

Organization and governance

The association is governed by an elected Executive Board and a Council comprising representatives from member countries, which oversees strategic direction and adherence to its statutes. Day-to-day operations are managed by the professional Secretariat based in Prague. Key governance committees include the Annual Meeting Advisory Committee (AMAC) and the Publications Committee, which guide major activities. The membership elects a President and other officers; notable past presidents include Margarita Díaz-Andreu and Felipe Criado-Boado. The organizational structure is designed to be representative and responsive to its diverse international membership.

Publications

The flagship publication is The European Journal of Archaeology (EJA), a peer-reviewed quarterly journal published by Cambridge University Press that features high-quality research articles, reviews, and forum debates. The association also publishes the EJA Monograph Series and the proceedings of its Annual Meetings. Furthermore, it produces regular newsletters, policy statements, and thematic reports, such as those related to the Archaeology and the European Year of Cultural Heritage initiative. These publications serve as vital resources for disseminating cutting-edge research and professional guidelines across the global archaeological community.

Annual meetings

The Annual Meeting is a major international congress, typically attracting over 2,000 participants from dozens of countries. It rotates between European cities, with past venues including Barcelona, Maastricht, Glasgow, Kiel, and Budapest. The meeting features hundreds of sessions, workshops, and lectures covering the breadth of archaeological science, theory, and heritage management, alongside keynote addresses by leading scholars like Colin Renfrew or Marie Louise Stig Sørensen. It also includes the EAA Business Meeting, awards ceremonies such as the EAA Heritage Prize, and excursions to significant local sites like Stonehenge or the Acropolis of Athens.

Membership

Membership is open to individuals, students, and institutions involved or interested in archaeology worldwide. Benefits include subscription to The European Journal of Archaeology, reduced fees for the Annual Meeting, access to the online member directory, and participation in Interest Groups. The association offers tiered membership rates, with concessions for members from low-GDP countries and for students, to promote inclusivity. Institutional members include major universities, research centers like the German Archaeological Institute, and heritage agencies such as Historic England. The diverse membership base, spanning over 60 countries, underscores its role as a truly global European organization.

Category:Archaeological organizations Category:International professional associations Category:Organizations established in 1994 Category:Organizations based in Prague