Jean Monnet Actions at higher education level foster the promotion of EU studies. They can fund the creation and delivery of teaching modules, professorships or chairs, and wider centres of excellence that promote EU studies.

The 2026 Erasmus+ call for proposals has selected 327 new Jean Monnet projects that look at a wide range of EU policy and strategy issues. And there is a strong focus on the EU’s international policy, with 45% of these projects operating outside Europe.

Why is Jean Monnet so popular outside Europe?

Firstly, it improves understanding of the EU. The study of the rules, policies and values that govern the way things are done in Europe guides future decision-makers and practitioners in the way they can engage with Europe. It is a form of public diplomacy, improving Europe’s ties with the rest of the world.

More concretely, understanding EU regulations and standards is highly valuable for  policymakers from non-EU countries and corporate sectors to trade and exchange with Europe.

And thirdly, studying the EU’s regional integration is followed with interest in countries that form their own regional blocs or cooperation (ASEAN, Mercosur, or the African Union).

Jean Monnet has also been a key instrument in countries’ preparations to join the EU over different waves of accession over past years, and there is great take-up of the programme in today’s candidate countries.

Recognising this worldwide interest, Erasmus+ has since 2022 also funded the setting-up of Jean Monnet networks that focus on the EU’s external relations. This has resulted in networks on Africa (two in 2023, two in 2024), Latin America (two in 2024), and North America (2025).

2026 saw the funding of a Jean Monnet India network, in the context of an upgrading of EU-India relations in the wake of a visit by all Commissioners in 2025 – and the forthcoming EU-India Dialogue on Education and Skills. Dublin City University leads a network of 11 Indian and eight European partners to look at the strategic nature of the EU’s relations with India, no doubt building on the experience of 35 Indian Jean Monnet chairs, modules and networks funded since 2010.

Later in 2026, EACEA (the European Education and Culture Executive Agency, which manages funding) will be organising a conference on the impact of Jean Monnet on policy-making for and with Africa.

Download the list of projects