HS PF

The Jean Monnet Foundation

Jean Monnet - European integration in higher education

European integration studies are defined as the analysis of the origins and evolution of the European Communities and the European Union in all its aspects. They cover both the internal and external dimension of European integration, including the European Union's role in the dialogue between peoples and cultures and the European Union's role and perception in the world.

Launched in 1989, the programme is now present in 72 countries throughout the world. Between 1990 and 2011, the Jean Monnet Programme has helped to set up approximately 3,700 projects in the field of European integration studies, including 165 Jean Monnet European Centres of Excellence, 879 Chairs (Professor Wentzel of Pforzheim University is holding one of them) and 2,139 permanent courses and European modules.

The Jean Monnet sub-programme was a component of the European LLP (the Life Long Learning Programme) focusing on European integration. It consisted of three key activities:

  • The Jean Monnet Action, designed to stimulate teaching, research, and reflection on European integration, consisting of Jean Monnet Chairs, Centres of Excellence, and Modules, among others;
  • Support for six specific academic institutions;
  • Support for Europe-wide associations.

These were complemented by conferences, thematic groups, and policy support within the Directorate-General for Education and Culture (DG EAC). For further information please go to the LLP website of the European Commission.