CEAD – Advanced Center for Legal Studies Francisco Suárez, through its Research Area “State, International Society, Human Action,” invites the submission of paper proposals for its Cycle of 3 Commemorative Conferences. This national scientific event will take place in a decentralized format in the cities of Porto, Lisbon, and Portimão.
The central purpose of this cycle is to mark the 50th anniversary of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, promoting in-depth academic, historical, and institutional reflection. The debate will focus on the 1976 constituent process, the constitutional evolution over half a century, the impact of the fundamental text on the consolidation of democracy and the economic system, as well as future perspectives for constitutionalism in Portugal.
The organizing committee invites researchers, academics, and other professionals in the field to submit their work for publication and/or presentation, within one of the following thematic areas:
1. The Constitutional Charter of 1826: Moderate Liberalism and the Origins of Modern Constitutionalism (Conference in Porto – September 17, 2026)
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The political context of the 19th century.
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The structure and organic content of the 1826 Charter.
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The relationship of continuity and rupture between the Constitutional Charter and previous constitutional texts.
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The configuration of the system of rights, freedoms, and guarantees.
2. The Constitution of 1976: Democracy, Rule of Law, and Social Transformation (Conference in Lisbon – September 24, 2026)
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The 1975–1976 constituent process, including analysis of the PREC (Ongoing Revolutionary Process), the dynamics of political forces, debates within the Constituent Assembly, and the compromises reached.
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The enshrinement of fundamental rights, the construction of the Social State, and the emergence of new generations of economic, social, and cultural rights.
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The evolution brought about by successive constitutional revisions and perspectives regarding future amendments.
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The economic constitution: nationalizations, reprivatizations, competition regulation, and the design of public policies.
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The influence of the Constitution on current political praxis and the balance within the system of powers.
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The continuing impact of European integration since 1986, with particular emphasis on budgetary policy and the sustainability of public finances.
3. Between 1826 and 1976: Constitutional Evolution and the Challenges of the 21st Century (Conference in Portimão – October 1, 2026)
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Comparative constitutional analysis between the 1826 and 1976 texts.
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Concepts and evolution of sovereignty, political representation, and citizenship.
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The intersection between national constitutionalism and the dynamics of European integration.
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The future of Portuguese constitutionalism and the new international economic order.
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Contemporary challenges: the impact of technology, the emergence of digital democracy, the phenomenon of populism, and environmental crises.
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The influential role of organizations.
Submission Guidelines:
Submission deadline: September 30, 2026
Review process: Proposals will be reviewed by the Organizing Committee of the Research Area “State, International Society, Human Action.”
Publication: Approved and presented papers are expected to be published in a collective volume/conference proceedings in December 2026.
Abstracts/papers should be submitted via the following email address:
cead.francisco.suarez@ulusofona.pt