Embracing a new reality

The global outbreak of the coronavirus presented an unprecedented challenge to ELSA. Consequently, in the spring 2020, ELSA presented its ability to adjust and innovate solutions to overcome challenges of any magnitude in a sustainable manner. Notably, adaptive innovations were seen with respect to:

1- The first ever online International Council Meeting of ELSA

International Council Meetings of ELSA have a vital role for the well-functioning of the association as this is the supreme decisionmaking body of our organisation. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak the International Board of ELSA had to cancel the physical International Council Meeting in Malta and find a way to adjust to a new virtual reality. The 77th International Council Meeting of ELSA for the first time during 39 years of existence of the association was hosted online. The ELSA Network has shown its ability to adapt to new circumstances to ensure that governance of the association is not affected by external circumstances. The International Council Meeting was hosted by the partner of ELSA, ClickMeeting giving to all our members in 44 different European states the opportunity to participate in one of the most historical International Council Meetings. What have we achieved during our three-daylong online International Council Meeting? For the first time ever, an e-voting system was used which made our plenaries very efficient. However, this International Council Meeting of ELSA was not only exceptional because of the format in which it took place. It also had a special meaning for the entire Network which worked hard to develop ELSA and make our association stronger. A new Member, ELSA Iceland was warmly welcomed to the Network; a new cycle of International Internal Meetings was approved by the International Council of ELSA; an Advisory Body was introduced to the internal structure of ELSA, the International Council Meeting Decision Book was restructured, the BEE Area was defined as the Supporting Area of ELSA; the Flagship Projects of ELSA were defined and the new International Board of ELSA for the term 2020/2021 was elected.