Introduction to the Topic

Shaped by their unique characteristics—particularly those related to their history and geography—overseas territories are subject to specific statutory and legal frameworks. As such, they raise important questions that can be examined from a comparative perspective. In France, they are at the center of major institutional debates. This publication therefore aims to focus on foreign overseas territories and to analyze how these territories—literally located “beyond the seas”—are addressed by national, regional, and international legal systems. Among other considerations, the focus will be on examining their constitutional frameworks, the legal regimes applicable to them, the specific features of their local law, and their legal relationships with geographically proximate entities. Furthermore, contributions may explore how overseas territories challenge the concepts of the state, sovereignty, and autonomy. Proposals addressing overseas territories within the European Union or, from the perspective of international law, their place on the UN list of non-self-governing territories and/or in relation to the self-determination of peoples and indigenous rights will also be welcome.

Non-exhaustive list of topics

• The constitutional and institutional statuses of overseas territories : autonomy, integration, federalism, association, free association, dependent territories, or sui generis statuses;

• Models of territorial autonomy and their comparison with the French model;

• The division of powers between the State and overseas authorities;

• The political representation of overseas territories within the institutions of the parent State;

• The participation of overseas populations in determining their political status;

• Processes of self-determination;

• Judicial review of autonomy and the resolution of conflicts of jurisdiction;

• The application and adaptation of the home state’s law in overseas territories;

• The overseas territories of European states and their relationship to European Union law;

• Environmental and climate issues and their integration into overseas institutional systems;

• Contemporary developments in overseas frameworks and prospects for reform.

Procedure

Abstracts of no more than two pages (5,000 characters) must be submitted to us by November 1^st, 2026.

Abstracts may be submitted in English or French to geraldine.giraudeau@uvsq.fr

All abstracts are subject to a selection process.

Full papers are due by May 1^st, 2027, and will undergo peer review.

The editorial guidelines for contributions written in French can be found here. Contributions written in English must follow the OSCOLA standards.