The European Association of Archaeologists: political position and potential

Abstract

Within two decades, the European Association of Archaeologists has become the largest organisation of archaeologists in Europe and has still the potential to grow. Among other aims, EAA was founded to formulate and implement conventions with the Council of Europe as an International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO). Especially in the permanent Working Groups, the debate of political topics always has played an important role at EAAs Annual Meetings next to the exchange of information and scientific results. Consistent professional political lobbying with the European Parliament or with the Council of Europe is not possible on a momentarily still purely voluntary basis. Therefore, EAA seeks to cooperate with partners on an international and national level, which have similar aims. In the coming years, EAA is going to reform itself in order to serve its increased membership better and to membrace the grown political responsibility. Central to this is the idea to empower the members to act politically themselves through the EAA. We are convinced: archaeology and archaeologists can help to solve the current crisis, because from their material long-term perspective they contribute new insights to key questions of humanity.