About the Journal
The Maastricht Journal of European and Comparative Law (MJ) is one of the leading peer-reviewed journals in its field, renowned for its innovative, critical, and interdisciplinary approach to European and comparative legal scholarship. Published by SAGE Publications and affiliated with the Maastricht Centre for European Law (MCEL), the journal consistently features cutting-edge analysis on EU law, human rights, comparative constitutionalism, and legal theory.
The journal has a strong international editorial board and attracts contributions from scholars, practitioners, and doctoral researchers worldwide. It has established itself as a crucial platform for comparative legal analysis bridging European and global legal debates.
About the Opportunity
MJ is now inviting proposals for special issues to be published in 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for academics and research groups to curate and coordinate a themed volume of scholarly work on a timely and original topic within the broad areas of European and comparative law.
A special issue typically includes 5–7 peer-reviewed articles, an editorial introduction, and can also feature interviews, short commentaries, or cross-disciplinary analyses.
Event Timeline
Stage | Date |
---|---|
Call for Special Issues Opens | June 2025 |
Proposal Submission Deadline | 12 September 2025 |
Notification of Acceptance | November 2025 |
Final Issue Submission | As per agreed schedule |
Publication Window | 2026 (Scheduled Issue) |
Format and Structure
A proposal for a special issue should include:
- Thematic overview: 700–1000 words outlining the focus, originality, and scholarly significance of the proposed theme
- List of contributors: Provisional titles and abstracts of proposed articles, with confirmed authors if available
- Timeline: Suggested timeline for submission, peer review, and editing
- Guest editors’ details: Brief bios of proposed guest editors, including academic affiliation and relevant experience
Each submission will be evaluated by the Editorial Board, which reserves the right to request modifications or recommend merging with other proposals if thematically aligned.
Once accepted, the guest editors will work closely with the journal’s editorial team to ensure blind peer review, manuscript quality, and editorial consistency.
Location and Mode
Venue: Remote submission and coordination
Mode: Online submission to Editorial Board via email or SAGE portal
Publication: Both online and print, published by SAGE
Additional Highlights
Topics of Interest May Include:
- The future of EU integration and governance
- Comparative constitutional responses to global crises
- Migration, asylum, and cross-border human rights jurisprudence
- Legal pluralism in Europe and beyond
- Comparative judicial activism
- The rule of law and democratic backsliding in Europe
- Technology, data protection, and comparative regulatory approaches
Eligibility:
- Open to academics, postdoctoral researchers, and established scholars
- Proposals may be submitted by individuals or jointly by a group of editors
- Contributors may come from a mix of institutions and disciplines, though legal focus is essential
Registration Fee:
There is no fee for submitting a special issue proposal or for publication once accepted
Recognition:
Guest editors will be acknowledged in the issue and may be invited to present the special issue at academic events or through associated networks
FAQs
Q1: Is there a publication charge?
A: No, there are no publication or submission fees for selected special issues.
Q2: Can PhD candidates submit proposals?
A: Yes, if they are teamed with or mentored by a senior academic or co-editor.
Q3: Are interdisciplinary topics welcome?
A: Absolutely, especially if grounded in legal scholarship with relevance to comparative or European law.
Q4: Will articles be peer-reviewed?
A: Yes. All articles must pass the MJ double-blind peer review process before inclusion.
Q5: Can non-European scholars contribute?
A: Yes, the journal encourages global participation and comparative contributions.
Important Links
Resource | Link |
---|---|
Direct Submission Info | Submit Proposal via Email |
Official Website | Maastricht Journal – SAGE |
Downloadables
Poster
Contact
Email: info@maastrichtjournal.eu
Website: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/mae
Hosted by: Maastricht Centre for European Law (MCEL), Maastricht University
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