On 10 December 2026, the Centre for IT & IP Law (CiTiP) at KU Leuven, with the support of the Knowledge Centre Data & Society, will welcome researchers, policymakers, legal practitioners, and professionals to its biennial conference in Leuven. This year's edition focuses on the profound changes shaping the European digital regulatory landscape in light of the European Union's broader simplification agenda.
As the European Commission increasingly prioritises simplification, competitiveness, and the reduction of administrative burdens, important questions arise regarding the future of digital rights, democratic oversight, responsible innovation, and the protection of public interests. The conference will provide a platform for critically examining these developments from a range of disciplinary and sectoral perspectives.
Keynote speakers
- Prof. Dr. Natali Helberger (University of Amsterdam)
- Em. Prof. Dr. Mireille Hildebrandt (Brussels University)
- Prof. Dr. Alexander Peukert (Goethe Universiteit Frankfurt)
Panels
- The EU digital simplification agenda and its implications on democracy
- Digital sovereignty
- The EU simplification agenda and its impact on AI fairness
- Exceptions in the regulatory framework
- The missing IP interlinkers in the digital simplification agenda
- Growing up in the age of AI chatbots
- Automated compliance and standardization
- Future of AI in healthcare
Bringing together current legal, societal, and technological developments, the conference offers a unique opportunity to exchange insights and contribute to discussions on the future of European digital policy and regulation.
