The project entitled 'German Network of European Studies Scholars' combines a variety of measures which follow the aim of strengthening research and discussion concerning the European Union in Germany: support for the AEI annual conferences, integrating young researchers in European studies, and disseminating the results of AEI activities via books, journals and the internet.The annual conferences link up AEI board meetings with AEI members by means of a scientific conference. Each conference discusses a relevant and current topic in European Union politics from an interdisciplinary perspective. One of the annual conferences will be jointly organised by AEI and the Austria and Switzerland European Community Studies Associations, in order to foster scientific exchange within Europe. The over-arching topic for the next three annual conferences will be “The European Union and the challenge of areas of limited statehood in the Middle East and Northern Africa” and is intended to stress three core topics: promoting peace and development in the region, migration and integration of refugees, terrorism.A call for papers is designed to encourage young researchers to submit and present papers. The annual conferences will thus support the careers of junior academic personnel. Contributions to the annual conferences will be published in special editions, which will further disseminate the conference outcomes.Support provided through the AEI scientific journal, 'integration', and through the AEI homepage will also contribute towards disseminating the results of European Union research. 'integration' is the leading journal for European studies in Germany and is an interdisciplinary forum for research, discussion and practical advice about European Union institutions and politics. Results of AEI conferences will be made available free of charge on the AEI homepage.