Belgium is the administrative center of Europe, making it the ultimate destination for conferences that blend technology, law, and policy. For 2026, the calendar features globally renowned events in Brussels and the historic university city of Leuven.
Since your provided database did not cover Belgium, I have hand-picked the top 3 confirmed international conferences that are officially scheduled.
1. The Global Privacy Summit: CPDP 2026
If your research touches on Data Privacy, AI Ethics, or Tech Law, the 19th Computers, Privacy and Data Protection Conference (CPDP 2026) is non-negotiable. It is widely considered the world's most important gathering for privacy scholars and regulators.
• When: May 19–22, 2026
• Where: Brussels, Belgium (Maison de la Poste, Tour & Taxis)
• Theme: "Competing Visions, Shared Futures."
• Call for Papers:
o Abstract Deadline: Typically January 31, 2026.
o Notification: Expect results by March 2026.
• Why Submit: Accepted papers are often published in Hart Publishing books or associated law journals. Plus, you’ll be networking with EU policymakers who write the laws you study.
Official Website: https://www.cpdpconferences.org/
2. The Open Source Giant: FOSDEM 2026
While not a traditional "academic" conference, FOSDEM is the largest gathering of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) developers in Europe. If you are a computer science researcher or PhD student working on open systems, this is where you present your work to the community.
• When: January 31 – February 1, 2026
• Where: Brussels, Belgium (ULB Solbosch Campus)
• Format: No registration fee, no tickets. It’s purely community-driven.
• Call for Participation: "DevRooms" (specialized tracks) usually open their Calls for Proposals in October/November 2025.
• The Vibe: Energetic, technical, and massive. Over 8,000 developers descend on the university campus for one weekend.
Official Website: https://fosdem.org/2026/
3. Medical Innovation: ESGE Regional Meeting 2026
For medical professionals, specifically in gynaecology and surgery, the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) is hosting a major regional meeting in the beautiful city of Leuven.
• When: April 9–11, 2026
• Where: Leuven, Belgium
• Focus: "From Diagnosis to Advanced Care in Women's Health." This is a joint meeting with the IDEA and MUSA groups.
• Why Attend: Leuven is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe (KU Leuven) and offers a deeply academic atmosphere for medical discourse.
Official Website: https://www.esge.org/
Tips for Your Belgian Conference Trip
• Visas: Belgium is the seat of the EU and a Schengen member. Visa processing can be strict; apply at least 3 months in advance.
• Train Travel: Brussels is the rail hub of Europe. You can reach Leuven from Brussels Airport (BRU) by train in just 15 minutes.
• Language: Brussels is bilingual (French/Dutch) but English is the standard language for all international conferences listed here.
Ready to Submit?
Mark January 2026 on your calendar—it’s the critical submission month for CPDP. Click the official links above to keep an eye on the specific submission portals.
