FINAL REPORT ON THE PROJECT
At the New University, the Jean Monnet Chair project is coming to an end. It was carried out by Dr. Matej Avbelj in cooperation with Dr. Katarina Vatovec, Dr. Verena Rošic Feguš, and Dr. Gorazd Justinek, within the Faculty of State and European Studies, and co-financed by the European Commission.
The central objective of the Jean Monnet Chair project on the topic of pluralism in the European Union was to contribute to reversing the trend of declining pluralism ethos in the EU. This can be achieved by promoting active citizenship and a European democratic identity, which cannot develop without a proper understanding of how the EU functions. With this goal, the Jean Monnet project represented a good practice in the field of education and the professional and personal development of individuals working in the educational sector—especially young people in EU member states and the Western Balkans.
The general objectives of the Jean Monnet Chair project were achieved through three main pillars: educational, research, and civil society. The first and second pillars encouraged pedagogical, professional, and scientific excellence, while the third contributed to the development of active European citizenship and the promotion of the EU’s democratic identity.
In the first pillar, new study content on pluralism and its importance for constitutional democracy—both at the national level and within the EU—was integrated into three existing courses at the Faculty of State and European Studies. Over three years, around 300 students completed the course dedicated to the Rule of Law and Democracy. An additional 200 students gained knowledge on pluralism through courses dedicated to the functioning of the EU (EU Law) in general and in the administrative sense (European Administrative Law). These figures do not include students from the European Faculty of Law, Erasmus students, and others.
Within the second pillar, scientific and expert publishing activities were developed. Two edited scientific monographs were produced, along with eight original scientific articles or book chapters, two of which are still in press; more than twenty columns for the general public; and over ten appearances in prominent media on topics related to the EU and pluralism.
Although the second pillar already had significant civil society impact, this was fully addressed in the third pillar. This consisted of a new elective university course—European Academic Forum—which included 36 sessions, 32 of which were recorded and made publicly available. The European Academic Forum was an inclusive and international academic, civil society, and professional platform, featuring more than 80 guests from at least 18 different countries, which reached a wide audience of more than 4000 attendees in person and on-line. Notably, it included countries from the Western Balkans on their path to the EU, and guest lectures from the ambassadors of the Czech Republic, Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Spain.
Finally, we aimed to bring the EU and the importance of pluralism in European democratic society closer to younger generations. As part of the project, we implemented the #WeAreEU initiative. Based on this, we conducted more than 20 free lectures for secondary schools—for students and teachers—thus contributing to the strengthening of European citizenship founded on pluralism, dialogue, acceptance of differences, and the search for common European paths.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
New University has been awarded a Jean Monnet Chair (JMC) on Pluralism in the European Union (PluralEU) as part of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Action in the field of Higher Education Teaching and Research (ERASMUS-JMO-2022-CHAIR). It is envisaged that the establishment of the Jean Monnet Chair at the New University will produce lasting institutional effects by strengthening the international profile of the New University; reinforcing its local standing, thereby attracting new students, increasing enrolment, which will result in improved financial resources that will allow for more excellence in teaching and research on EU subjects. Eventually, the New University will thus grow into a regional hub for EU studies, headed by the project leader, prof. dr. Matej Avbelj, drawing on his extensive academic network across the EU.
The Jean Monnet Chair
Members of Jean Monnet Chair at New University are dr. Matej Avbelj, dr. Katarina Vatovec, dr. Verena Rošic and dr. Gorazd Justinek.
EVENTS
All the events from Jean Monnet Chair will be posted here.