Jean Monnet Actions

Jean Monnet actions in the field of higher education

The Jean Monnet Actions in the field of Higher Education supports teaching and research in the field of European Union studies worldwide.

European Union studies refers to the teaching, learning and research about the European Union, its history, aims, structures, functions and/or its policies.

By focussing on the European Union dimension, the Jean Monnet activities should promote active European citizenship and the founding values of the European Union of 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).

In the case of European Union policies, Jean Monnet actions must contribute to spreading knowledge about how these policies can benefit the daily lives of citizens in the EU and/or abroad, and/or how these can influence the policy-making system, in similar fields, either at the Member State level or abroad at a national, regional or global level. A very clear link between the subject of the proposal and the EU policy and/or EU topic that it refers to should be displayed.   

The Jean Monnet actions also strive to function as a 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.

The objectives and criteria to apply for teaching and research are described below.

1. Teaching and research

1.1 Objectives of the action

The Jean Monnet “Teaching and Research” actions will: 

• promote excellence in teaching and research in the field of European Union studies worldwide;
• foster the dialogue between the academic world and society, including local, regional, state and EU level policy-makers, civil servants, civil society actors, representatives of the different levels of education and of the media; 
• generate knowledge and insights in support of  EU policy-making and strengthen the role of the EU within Europe and in a globalised world;
• reach out to a wider public and spread knowledge about the EU to the wider society (beyond academia and specialised audiences) bringing the EU closer to the public.

The actions also strive to function as a vector for public diplomacy towards third countries not associated to the Programme, promoting EU values and enhancing the visibility of what the European Union actually stands for and what it intends to achieve.

2. Setting up a project

The Jean Monnet “Teaching and Research” must take one of the following forms: Modules, Chairs, Centres of Excellence

• Modules are short teaching programmes or courses in the field of European Union studies at offered at a higher education institution. Each Module has a minimum duration of 40 teaching hours per academic year for a duration of three years. Modules may concentrate on one particular discipline in European studies or be multidisciplinary in approach and therefore call upon the academic input of several professors and experts. They can also take the form of short specialised or summer programmes.
• Chairs are teaching posts with a specialisation in European Union studies (as described above) for university professors for a duration of three years. A Jean Monnet Chair is held by only one professor, who provides the minimum of 90 teaching hours per academic year. The Chair may also have a team to support and enhance the activities of the Chair, including the provision of additional teaching hours.
• Jean Monnet Centres of Excellence are focal points of competence and knowledge on European Union subjects. They should  gather the expertise and competences of high-level experts aiming to at develop synergies between the various disciplines and resources in European studies (as described above) as well as at creating joint transnational activities, they also ensure openness to civil society. Jean Monnet Centres of Excellence have a major role in reaching out to students from faculties not normally dealing with European Union issues as well as to policy makers, civil servants, organised civil society and the general public at large.

Jean Monnet beneficiaries (modules and Chair holders as well as Centre of excellence participants) are requested to organise activities and events that shall ensure openness to policy makers, civil servants, civil society and the general public at large.

For the purpose of Chairs and Modules, teaching hours are taken to include direct contact hours in the context of group lectures, seminars, tutorials and may include any of the aforementioned in a distance learning format, but do not include individual instruction and/or supervision. For Modules, summer courses are eligible.

3. Which are the criteria to be met to apply for Jean Monnet teaching and research action?

3.1 Eligibility criteria

The following eligibility criteria apply for Jean Monnet Modules:

Who can apply?

The applicants must be

• a higher education institution (HEI)
• established in an EU Member State, or third country associated to the Programme or in a third country not associated to the Programme.

HEIs established in EU Member States and third countries associated with the Programme must hold a valid ECHE.

An ECHE is not required for participating HEIs in third countries not associated with the Programme.

Exception: organisations from Belarus (Region 2) are not eligible to participate in this action.

Consortium composition

Only applications by single applicants are allowed (single beneficiaries).

Eligible activities

A Jean Monnet Module must be taught for a minimum of 40 teaching hours per academic year in the field of European Union studies (as described above) at the applicant higher education institution.

Duration of the project

Projects should normally last 36 months (extensions are possible, if duly justified and through an amendment).

Where to apply?

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

Call ID: ERASMUS-JMO-2023-MODULE.

When to apply?

Applicants have to submit their grant application by 14 February at 17:00:00 (Brussels time).

The following eligibility criteria apply for Jean Monnet Chairs:

Who can apply?

The applicants must be

• a higher education institution (HEI)
• established in an EU Member State, or third country associated to the Programme or in a third country not associated to the Programme.

HEIs established in EU Member States and third countries associated with the Programme must hold a valid ECHE.

An ECHE is not required for participating HEIs in third countries not associated with the Programme.

Exception: organisations from Belarus (Region 2) are not eligible to participate in this action.

Consortium composition

Only applications by single applicants are allowed (single beneficiaries).

Eligible activities

A Jean Monnet Chair must be taught for a minimum of 90 teaching hours per academic year in the field of European Union studies (as described in the Programme Guide) at the applicant Higher Education Institution by the Chair holder, which must be a permanent staff member at the applicant institution

Duration of the project

Projects should normally last 36 months (extensions are possible, if duly justified and through an amendment).

Where to apply?

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

Call ID: ERASMUS-JMO-2023-CHAIR.

When to apply?

Applicants have to submit their grant application by 14 February at 17:00:00 (Brussels time).

The following eligibility criteria apply for Jean Monnet Centres of Excellence:

Who can apply?

The applicants must be

• a higher education institution (HEI)
• established in an EU Member State, or third country associated to the Programme or in a third country not associated to the Programme.
• Only one Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence will be supported at the same time in any participating HEI.

HEIs established in EU Member States and third countries associated with the Programme must hold a valid ECHE.

A ECHE is not required for participating HEIs in third countries not associated with the Programme.

Exception: organisations from Belarus (Region 2) and the Russian Federation (Region 4) are not eligible to participate in this action.

Consortium composition

Only applications by single applicants are allowed (single beneficiaries).

Duration of project

Projects should normally last 36 months (extensions are possible, if duly justified and through an amendment).

Where to apply?

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

Call ID: ERASMUS-JMO-2023-COE.

When to apply?

Applicants have to submit their grant application by 14 February at 17:00:00 (Brussels time).

Applicant organisations will be assessed against the relevant exclusion and selection criteria. For more information please consult Part C of this Guide.

4. Award criteria

The following award criteria apply for Jean Monnet Modules:

4.1 Relevance of the project (maximum score 25 points)

The extent to which the proposal meets the objectives of the Jean Monnet action:

• addresses EU Studies (as described in the introductory paragraph), 
• fosters dialogue between the academic world and society, including local, regional, state and EU level policy-makers, civil servants, civil society actors, representatives of the different levels of education and of the media;
• generates knowledge and insights that can support EU policy-making and strengthen the role of the EU in a globalised world;
• includes active outreach and educational work that will spread knowledge about EU subjects to wider society (beyond academia and specialised audiences) and will bring the EU closer to the public.

The extent the proposal reaches priority target groups: 

• Higher education students of European Union Studies (as described in the introductory paragraph).
• Higher education students who do not automatically come into contact with EU studies (in fields beyond law, economics, and political sciences).
• For third countries not associated to the Programme, the potential to enhance EU public diplomacy.

4.2 Quality of the project design and implementation (maximum score: 25 points)

• Methodology: quality, novelty and feasibility of the project itself and the viability of the proposed methodology;
• The extent to which the work programme:
  • Is presented in a clear, complete and coherent manner, with due care taken to present the appropriate planning of preparation, implementation, evaluation, follow-up and dissemination phases;
  • demonstrates coherence with the project objectives and activities;
• Monitoring and evaluation strategy

4.3 Quality of the partnership and cooperation arrangements (maximum score: 25 points)

Level of competence and added value of the team: 

• Pertinence and complementarity of the profile and expertise of the key staff involved in the activities proposed (in the academic and non-academic fields, if appropriate) in terms of European Union Studies (as described in the introductory paragraph) and in terms of the  specific theme addressed by the proposal

4.4 Impact (maximum score: 25 points)

The expected impact of the project by having long lasting effects:

• on the institution hosting the Jean Monnet Action;
• on the students and learners benefiting from the Jean Monnet Action;
  • improved or innovative curricula;
  • increased capacity to attract excellent students;
  • reinforced cooperation with partners from other countries;
  • increased allocation of financial resources to teaching and research on EU subjects within the institution;
  • increased capacity to teach and research on EU subjects
• on other organisations and individuals involved at local, regional, national, and/or European levels. 

Dissemination and communication: 

• The appropriateness and quality of measures aimed at disseminating the outcomes of the activities within and outside the institution hosting the Jean Monnet Action:
  • spreading the word;
  • raising awareness of projects and results, enhancing visibility of participants and organizations;
  • reaching out to groups outside the higher education institutions;
  • transferability and translation into new policies and improved practices. 
• The extent to which the dissemination tools foreseen will reach the target audience via:
  • media exposure (including social media, publications, etc.)
  • events;

Sustainability and continuation: the proposal includes appropriate measures and resources to ensure that the project results and benefits will be sustained beyond the project lifetime.

To be considered for funding, proposals must score at least 70 points in total and 15 points in each award criterion. The ex aequo proposals will be prioritised according to the scores they have been awarded for the award criterion “relevance of the project” and then “impact”. 

The following award criteria apply for Jean Monnet Chairs:

4.5 Relevance of the project (maximum score 25 points)

The extent to which the proposal meets the objectives of the Jean Monnet action: 

• addresses European Union Studies (as described in the introductory paragraph),
• fosters dialogue between the academic world and society, including local, regional, state and EU level policy-makers, civil servants, civil society actors, representatives of the different levels of education and of the media;
• generates knowledge and insights that can support EU policy-making and strengthen the role of the EU in a globalised world;
• includes active outreach and educational work that will spread knowledge about EU subjects to wider society (beyond academia and specialised audiences) and will bring the EU closer to the public.

The extent the proposal reaches priority target groups: 

• Higher education students of European Union Studies (as described in the introductory paragraph),
• Higher education students who do not automatically come into contact with EU studies (as described in the introductory paragraph),
• For third countries not associated with the Programme, the potential to enhance EU public diplomacy

4.6 Quality of the project design and implementation (maximum score 25 points)

• Methodology: quality, novelty and feasibility of the project itself and the viability of the proposed methodology;
• Management: the extent to which the work programme is
  • presented in a clear, complete and coherent manner, with due care taken to present the appropriate planning of preparation, implementation, evaluation, follow-up and dissemination phases;
  • demonstrates coherence with the project objectives and activities.
• Monitoring and evaluation strategy

4.7 Quality of the partnership and cooperation arrangements (maximum score 25 points)

• Excellent profile and expertise of the Chair holder in European Union studies. (as described in the introductory paragraph)
• Pertinence and complementarity of the profile and expertise of the Chair Holder and the key staff involved in the activities proposed in the project both in terms of European Union Studies (as described in the introductory paragraph) and in terms of the specific themes addressed by the proposal
• Evidence of the level of experience in research in EU subjects

4.8 Impact (maximum score 25 points)

The expected impact of the project by having long lasting effects

• on the institution hosting the Jean Monnet Action;
• on the students and learners benefiting from the Jean Monnet Action;
  • improved or innovative curricula;
  • increased capacity to attract excellent students;
  • reinforced cooperation with partners from other countries;
  • increased allocation of financial resources to teaching and research on EU subjects within the institution;
  • increased capacity to teach and research on EU subjects
• on other organisations and individuals involved at local, regional, national, and/or European levels. 

Dissemination and communication: 

• The appropriateness and quality of measures aimed at disseminating the outcomes of the activities within and outside the institution hosting the Jean Monnet Action:
  • spreading the word;
  • raising awareness of projects and results, enhancing visibility of participants and organizations;
  • reaching out to groups outside the higher education institutions;
  • transferability and translation into new policies and improved practices. 
• The extent to which the dissemination tools foreseen will reach the target audience via:
  • media exposure (including social media, publications, etc.)
  • events;

Sustainability and continuation: the proposal includes appropriate measures and resources to ensure that the project results and benefits will be sustained beyond the project lifetime.

To be considered for funding, proposals must score at least 70 points in total and 15 points in each award criterion. The ex aequo proposals will be prioritised according to the scores they have been awarded for the award criterion “relevance of the project” and then “impact”.

The following award criteria apply for Jean Monnet Centres of Excellence:

4.9 Relevance of the project (maximum score 25 points)

The extent to which the proposal meets the  objectives of the Jean Monnet activities:

• addresses EU Studies (as described in the introductory paragraph),
• fosters dialogue between the academic world and society, including local, regional, state and EU level policy-makers, civil servants, civil society actors, representatives of the different levels of education and of the media;
• generates knowledge and insights that can support EU policy-making and strengthen the role of the EU in a globalised world;
• includes active outreach and educational work that will spread knowledge about EU subjects to wider society (beyond academia and specialised audiences) and will bring the EU closer to the public.

The extent the proposal reaches more target groups: 

• kind of beneficiaries of the expertise of the proposed Centre
• involvement of Faculties/Departments not in contact with EU specific studies 
• for third countries not associated with the Programme, the potential to enhance EU public diplomacy

4.10 Quality of the project design and implementation (maximum score points 25)

• Methodology: quality, novelty and feasibility of the project itself and the viability of the proposed methodology;
• The extent to which the work programme
  • is presented in a clear, complete and coherent manner, with due care taken to present the appropriate planning of preparation, implementation, evaluation, follow-up and dissemination phases;
  • demonstrates coherence with the project objectives and activities.
• The extent to which the resources assigned to work packages are in line with their objectives and deliverables.
• Monitoring and evaluation strategy

4.11 Quality of the partnership and the cooperation arrangements (maximum score 25 points)

• Quality and added value of the participants in the Centre
• Pertinence and complementarity of the profile and expertise of the staff involved in the activities proposed in the project both in terms of European Union Studies and in terms of the specific themes addressed by the proposal
• Cooperation arrangements inside the Higher Educating Institution and distribution of roles
• Commitment of  the institution to develop  and maintain the Centre

4.12 Impact (maximum score 25 points)

The expected impact of the project by having long lasting effects

• on the institution hosting the Jean Monnet Action;
• on the Faculties/Departments benefiting from the Jean Monnet Action;
  • improved or innovative content, development of new angles of specific research;
  • increased capacity to attract excellent students and researchers;
  • reinforced cooperation and capacity to connect with partners from other countries;
  • increased allocation of financial resources to teaching and research on EU subjects within the institution;
  • increased capacity to teach and research on EU subjects
• on other organisations and individuals involved at local, regional, national, and/or European levels. 

Dissemination and communication: 

• The appropriateness and quality of measures aimed at disseminating the outcomes of the activities within and outside the institution hosting the Jean Monnet Action:
  • spreading the word;
  • raising awareness of projects and results, enhancing visibility of participants and organizations;
  • reaching out to groups outside the higher education institutions;
  • transferability and translation into new policies and improved practices. 

The extent to which the dissemination tools foreseen will reach the target audience via: 

• media exposure (including social media, publications, etc.)
• events;

Sustainability and continuation: the proposal includes appropriate measures and resources to ensure that the project results and benefits will be sustained beyond the project lifetime.

To be considered for funding, proposals must score at least 70 points in total and 15 points in each award criterion. The ex aequo proposals will be prioritised according to the scores they have been awarded for the award criterion “relevance of the project” and then “impact”.

4.13 Geographical targets

The EU’s external action instruments are contributing to this action. The budget available is divided between different regions and the size of each budgetary envelope is different. Further information on the amounts available under each budgetary envelope will be published on the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal (FTOP).

The geographical targets set for this action are the following:

For Asia: A maximum of 75% of funding may be allocated to high-income countries in this region;

For Sub-Saharan Africa: Priority will be given to the least developed countries; a special emphasis shall also be put on migration priority countries and on regional projects involving HEIs from several countries.

5. Expected impact

5.1 Quantitative

An increasing number of Higher Education institutions enhancing the European Union dimension of the disciplines they cover.

An increasing number of European Union subjects introduced in the teaching and research of Faculties/Departments where the EU angle is not usually developed  – beyond the subjects typically known for their EU association.

5.2 Qualitative

As regards the participants directly involved in the actions, the Jean Monnet “teaching and research” actions will produce positive and long-lasting effects on both students and researchers/professors and:

• promote democracy and a sense of belonging to a common area; a measure of increased interest from youth in European policies could be assessed through specific surveys;  
• increased interest in deepening the knowledge on the European Union specific policies, possibly leading to a more active participation in EU activities and the public service;
• an increase in opportunities for young researchers to enhance their professional competences and boost their career. 

As regards the participating organisations, the Jean Monnet “teaching and research” strand will enhance a new dynamic and: 

• increase the capacity of the Higher Education Institutions to teach European Union subjects
• attract more and new learners and teachers interested in acquiring knowledge about the European Union
• create structured centres providing European Union specific high-level knowledge and advanced research to Faculties/Departments requiring support.

6. What are the funding rules?

This action follows a lump sum funding model. This funding scheme would allow putting focus on the outputs rather than the inputs, thereby placing emphasis on the quality and level of achievement of measurable objectives.

The maximum EU grant per project is as follows:

• Jean Monnet Modules: EUR 30.000
• Jean Monnet Chairs: EUR 50.000
• Jean Monnet Centres of Excellence: EUR 100.000

The lump sum contributions will cover costs staff costs, travel and subsistence costs, equipment costs and subcontracting as well as other costs (dissemination of information, publishing, translation). 

6.1 Jean Monnet Modules and Chairs

Applicants must request in the application the predefined amount of the single lump sum indicated in the tables below. The tables below show the total lump sum per country that corresponds to the total number of teaching hours. The amounts in the table are the final EU contribution as the co-financing of 75% is embedded.

a.1) For Jean Monnet Modules for EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme

a.2) Jean Monnet Modules for third countries not associated with the Programme

More details are described in the model Grant Agreement available in the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal (FTOP). 

b.1) Jean Monnet Chairs for EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme

b.2) Jean Monnet Chair for third countries not associated to the Programme

More details are described in the model Grant Agreement available in the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal (FTOP).

c)    Jean Monnet Centres of Excellence 

This action follows a lump sum funding model. The amount of the single lump sum contribution will be determined for each grant based on the estimated budget of the action proposed by the applicant. The granting authority will fix the lump sum of each grant based on the proposal, evaluation result, funding rates and the maximum grant amount set in the call.

The maximum EU contribution per project is EUR 100.000

7. How is the project lump sum determined?

Applicants must fill in a detailed budget table according to the application form, taking into account the following points:  

• The budget should be detailed as necessary in coherent work packages (for example divided into ‘project management’, ‘training’, ‘organization of events’, ‘mobility preparation and implementation’, ‘communication and dissemination’, ‘quality assurance’, etc.);
• The proposal must describe the activities covered by each work package;
• Applicants must provide in their proposal a breakdown of the estimated costs showing the share per work package;
• Costs can cover staff costs, travel and subsistence costs, equipment costs and subcontracting as well as other costs (such as dissemination, publishing or translation).

Proposals will be evaluated according to the standard evaluation procedures with the help of internal and/or external experts. The experts will assess the quality of the proposals, against the requirements defined in the call and the expected impact, quality and efficiency of the action.

Following the proposal evaluation, the authorising officer will establish the amount of the lump sum, taking into account the findings of the assessment carried out. The lump sum value will be limited to a maximum of 80% of the estimated budget determined after evaluation.

The grant parameters (maximum grant amount, funding rate, total eligible costs, etc) will be fixed in the Grant Agreement.

The project achievements will be evaluated on the outcomes completed. The funding scheme would allow putting focus on the outputs rather than the inputs, thereby placing emphasis on the quality and level of achievement of measurable objectives.

More details are described in the model Grant Agreement available in the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal (FTOP).

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