European Association of Archaeologists--

New Venue for Collaborations and Exchange

W. J. H. Willems

There is a long tradition of collaboration and exchange of information among archaeologists in Europe, but until the past few years this has largely been uncoordinated. Now, with the disappearance of many of the political obstacles of the past 50 years, archaeologists can move and work freely all over Europe. At the same time, the increasing threats to Europe's rich archaeological heritage, the growth and diversification of the discipline, and recent political changes combine to present a unique opportunity for the profession to develop a new, integrated European archaeology, based on existing national and regional traditions. Because of this, an association has been formed to unite archaeologists working in Europe and provide them with a forum for professional exchange.

At the 1994 inaugural meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the EAA statutes were formally approved. They stipulate that EAA was created to promote:

development of archaeological research and exchange of archaeological information;
management and interpretation of the European archaeological heritage;
proper ethical and scientific standards for archaeological work;
the interests of professional archaeologists in Europe; and
cooperation with other organizations with similar aims.

At the 1997 3rd Annual Meeting, held in Ravenna, Italy, the EAA Code of Practice was approved by the membership. In addition, various roundtables were held to set up a directory of archaeological training opportunities in Europe. The meeting in Ravenna attracted more than 750 delegates from 33 countries.

EAA is a fully democratic body, governed by an elected Executive Board that is representative of the different European regions. The current board consists of President K. Kristiansen (Sweden), Vice President E. Jerem (Hungary), Secretary W. J. H. Willems (Netherlands), and Treasurer P. Chowne (United Kingdom). Full membership to EAA is open to all professional archaeologists. Bona fide students of archaeology, retired archaeologists, and nonprofessional archaeologists are also eligible for membership. Currently, EAA has more than 1,000 members from 51 countries worldwide working in prehistoric, classical, medieval, and later archaeology. They include academics, aerial archaeologists, environmental archaeologists, field archaeologists, underwater archaeologists, heritage managers, historians, museum curators, researchers, scientists, teachers, conservators, and students of archaeology.

In promoting its aims, EAA publishes the European Journal of Archaeology three times a year, to encourage open debate among participating archaeologists. Members are also kept informed of activities through a biannual newsletter, The European Archaeologist, and the Internet. Members receive both publications and are encouraged to submit papers and articles to either.

EAA organizes conferences and seminars and acts as an advisory body on all issues relating to the archaeology of Europe. EAA annual meetings offer a unique opportunity for archaeologists from Europe and beyond to compare experiences, ideas, and opinions on archaeological practice and theory in its many different European contexts. Previous annual meetings have taken place at Ljubljana, Slovenia (1994); Santiago de Compostela, Spain (1995); Riga, Latvia (1996); and Ravenna, Italy (1997). The 1998 EAA Annual Meeting is scheduled September 23-27, in Goteborg, Sweden, and will cover topics such as Managing the Archaeological Record and the Cultural Heritage; Archaeology of Today: Theoretical and Methodical Perspectives; and Archaeology and Material Culture: Interpreting the Archaeological Record. In addition to formal lectures and discussions, conference organizers will arrange a variety of lively social events for members to meet each other informally. Members are encouraged to take part in the sessions, roundtables, and work groups. Meeting information can be obtained by email at EAA_98@archaeology.gu.se.

For questions on membership, please contact EAA Secretariat, c/o MoLAS, Walker House, 87 Queen Victoria St., London EC 4V 4AB, UK, (+44-171) 410-2244, fax (+44-171) 410-2201/2231, email eaa@molas.org.uk.

W. J. H. Willems is secretary of EAA and is from the Netherlands.

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