The Jean Monnet programme is a project of the European Commission addressed to universities in the Member States of the European Union. It was named after Jean Monnet, a French politician and economist who lived at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Jean Monnet programme offers grants in higher education and other areas of education and training.
Jean Monnet actions contribute to the dissemination of knowledge on issues related to European Union integration. The following activities are supported:
- Jean Monnet Actions in the field of higher education;
- Jean Monnet Actions in other fields of education and training;
- Jean Monnet policy debate (i.e. thematic networks in higher education and other fields of education and training);
- The Jean Monnet Higher Education Action supports teaching and research in European Union studies around the world.
Since 1989, research and teaching have reached many places around the globe.
Projects implemented under the Jean Monnet Programme promote active European citizenship and the fundamental values of the European Union regarding respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities (Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union) and EU public policies, helping to raise awareness of how they can impact the everyday lives of citizens in the EU. In addition, Jean Monnet's activities promote the values of the European Union in non-EU countries.
Jean Monnet teaching and research aims to:
- To promote excellence in teaching and research in EU studies worldwide;
- To generate knowledge and insights in support of EU policy-making & strengthen the role of the EU within Europe and the world;
- To reach out to a wider public (beyond academia and specialized audiences) bringing EU knowledge closer to society;
- To function as vector for public diplomacy towards partner/third countries promoting EU values and enhancing the visibility of what the EU stands for and what it wants to achieve.
Teaching and research under the Jean Monnet Programme must take one of the following forms: modules, chairs and centers of excellence.