Jean Monnet Actions

The Jean Monnet Actions aim at promoting excellence in teaching and research in the field of European Union studies worldwide. These Actions also aim at fostering dialogue between the academic world and policymakers, in particular with the aim of enhancing governance of EU policies.

European Union studies comprise the study of Europe in its entirety with particular emphasis on the European integration process in both its internal and external aspects. The discipline also covers the role of the EU in a globalized world and in promoting an active European citizenship and dialogue between people and cultures. Jean Monnet Activities also strive to function as vector of public diplomacy towards third countries, promoting EU values and enhancing the visibility of what the European Union stands for and what it intends to achieve.

There are three types of Jean Monnet Actions:

  • Jean Monnet Actions in the field of higher education.
  • Jean Monnet Actions in other fields of education and training.
  • Jean Monnet policy debate (higher education and other fields of education and training).
What types of organisations are eligible to participate in the Jean Monnet Actions in the field of higher education?

Independent higher education institution (HEI) established in any country of the world. HEIs established in EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme must hold a valid Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE). An ECHE is not required for participating HEIs from third countries not associated to the Programme. Organisations from Belarus and Russian Federation are not eligible to participate in this action.

Who can apply?

Independent HEIs established in any country of the world can apply for Jean Monnet Actions. Individuals cannot apply directly for a grant. Organisations from Belarus and Russian Federation are not eligible to participate in this action.

Are there any limitations regarding the scope of scientific areas that Jean Monnet Actions need to adhere?

The Erasmus+ Programme does not prescribe restrictions regarding the scientific areas to which project applications should be directed, as long as there is a European dimension in terms of the project objectives. In other words, the scope of EU studies can be varied so long as the EU angle is explored.

What types of Jean Monnet Actions exist in the field of higher education?


Jean Monnet projects in the field of higher education support the following:

A Jean Monnet Module is a short teaching programme (or course) in the field of European Union studies at a higher education institution. Each Module has a minimum duration of 40 teaching hours per academic year. The Jean Monnet Module anchors and mainstreams teaching on EU matters in curricula which so far have included EU related content only to a limited extent.

A Jean Monnet Chair is a teaching post with a specialization in European Union studies for university professors for a duration of three years. A Jean Monnet Chair must be held by only one professor, who must provide the minimum of 90 teaching hours per academic year. 

A Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence gathers the expertise and competences of high-level experts and aims at developing synergies between the various disciplines and resources in European studies, as well as at creating joint transnational activities and structural links with academic institutions in other countries.

What is the duration of Jean Monnet projects in the field of higher education?

The duration of Jean Monnet projects in the field of higher education (Modules, Chairs, Centres of Excellence) is three years.

Are there Jean Monnet projects that are intended for other areas of education and training?

One of the novelties within the new Erasmus + Programme are Jean Monnet projects intended for other areas of education and training, apart from the field of higher education. There are two types of Jean Monnet projects, intended for other areas of education and training:

  • Jean Monnet Teacher Trainings.
  • Jean Monnet Learning EU initiatives.

More information about these types of Jean Monnet projects can be found on this page.

What is Jean Monnet Policy Debate?

There are two basic types of Jean Monnet policy debate projects:

Jean Monnet thematic networks in Higher Education.

Thematic networks in Higher Education are three-year projects comprised of at least 12 higher education institutions. These projects have as primary objective to collect, share and discuss among the partners research findings, content of courses and experiences, products (studies, articles, etc.).

An additional aim of the Jean Monnet thematic networks is to provide regular feedback (e.g. an online newsletter) on the most advanced and innovative practices in the field, supporting and adding value to the debate.

Jean Monnet networks in other fields of education and training.

These networks are three-year projects which foster the creation and development of networks of schools and VET institutions that aim to exchange good practices, share experiences on both content and methodologies and build knowledge in teaching European issues.

Networks should in particular focus on bringing facts and knowledge about the EU to their learners in an innovative and creative way.

Where to apply?

To the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) in Brussels.

When to apply?

Information on the deadline for submitting project applications within the current Call for proposals can be found on our page Calendar of Calls.

More information about the Jean Monnet Actions can be found in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide, on the website of the European Commission.

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