Jean Monnet good practices in the context of "A Union of shared values – the role of education and civil society" : cluster meeting : Brussels 15 April 2016.
Date: 2017-01-18
Institutions: European Education and Culture Executive Agency
Subjects: European citizenship, European integration, civil society, cultural difference, deepening of the European Union, democracy, education policy, human rights, promotion of the European idea

  Jean Monnet

Good practices in the context of
“A Union of shared values —
 The role of Education & Civil Societies”

Jean Monnet Cluster Meeting
Brussels 15 April 2016

Erasmus+

Education Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, Unit A2, 2016

ISBN 978-92-9492-320-2
DOI 10.2797/115566

© Union européenne, 2016
Reproduction autorisée moyennant mention de la source

Education Audio-visual and 
Culture Executive Agency 
Jean Monnet Activities 

Cluster Meeting 

Jean Monnet Good Practices in the 
Context of "A Union of Shared Values – 
the Role of Education and Civil Society" 

15 April 2016 

 
 
Table of Contents 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................. 1 

Introduction ................................................................................................................. 1 
Purpose of the Event ................................................................................................... 1 
Method of the Event .................................................................................................... 2 
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 2 

DETAILED REPORT ......................................................................................................... 4 

1.  Keynote  Speech:  How  can  the  Jean  Monnet  Activities  help  deal  with  the 

challenges that a Union of shared values is currently facing? .......................... 4 
2. World Café Session ................................................................................................. 5 
2.1 Why is Jean Monnet important for supporting shared European values? ... 5 
2.2 How could you make Jean Monnet better known outside the academic 

world? .................................................................................................. 8 
2.3 What concrete contribution could the Jean Monnet community make? ..... 9 
3. Open space debate Session .................................................................................... 11 
3.1 Policy ......................................................................................................... 12 

3.1.1.  How  can  European  Studies  better  support  Commission 

Policy? ............................................................................... 12 
3.1.2. Quantity versus quality ............................................................ 13 
3.1.3. Which activities would reach a wider audience? .................... 13 
3.1.4 Policy feedback participants and voting ................................... 13 
3.2 Activities ................................................................................................... 14 

3.2.1.  Which  activities  would  create  synergies  with  other 

programmes? ..................................................................... 14 

3.2.2.  Which  activities  would  counter  EU-sceptics  or  integrate 

migrants? ........................................................................... 15 

3.2.3.  Could  activities  make  better  use  of  new  tools  and 

technologies? ..................................................................... 15 
3.2.4 Activities feedback participants and voting ............................. 15 
3.3 Impact ........................................................................................................ 16 
3.3.1. Can Jean Monnet Activities make you feel more European? . 16 
3.3.2. How can this be transmitted to a more diverse audience? ...... 16 
3.3.3. Will Jean Monnet students become European ambassadors? . 16 
3.3.4 Impact feedback participants and voting .................................. 17 
3.4 Community ................................................................................................ 17 
3.4.1. How can we reinforce the Jean Monnet community? ............. 17 
3.4.2. Could the Commission make better use of the community? ... 18 
3.4.3. Should the community take a more proactive role? ................ 18 
3.4.4 Community feedback participants and voting .......................... 18 
4. Thoughts for the future .......................................................................................... 18 
5. Concrete Ideas and Suggestions brought forward ................................................. 21 

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ANNEX  1  –  FEEDBACK  SURVEY  RESULT  CLUSTER  JEAN  MONNET 

CLUSTER MEETING .............................................................................................. 28 

1. Survey Feedback - General overview ................................................................... 28 
2. Survey Feedback – On-site Participation .............................................................. 28 
3. Survey Feedback - Suggestions for Future Events................................................ 30 
4. Survey statistics ..................................................................................................... 30 

ii 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Introduction 

Cluster meetings have been regularly organised in the framework of the Jean Monnet Activities, and 

have focused either on thematic areas or on project schemes. In 2012 meetings focused on themes 

of European integration history and learning Europe at school, and in 2013 on larger topics,  trends 

and developments in the field of European Studies. No Jean Monnet cluster meetings took place in 

2014 and 2015. 

With  regard  to the  general  context  and  challenge  of  the  present  European  political  landscape, the 

2015  Jean  Monnet  conference  in  November  2015  was  held  under  the  theme  "A  Union  of  Shared 

Values– the Role of Education and Civil Society". 

In  this  context,  a  Cluster of  Jean  Monnet  projects  was  organised  on  April 15th  2016  to  discuss  and 

demonstrate how and to which extent Jean Monnet Activities contribute and address the topic of "A 

Union of shared values – the role of education and civil society". The 2016 cluster meeting adopted a 

practical approach to this matter, by reflecting on good practices and making recommendations on 

how Jean Monnet Activities can help deal with challenges to a Union of shared values. 

This document gives a comprehensive summary of the discussions and suggestions made.  

Purpose of the Event 

The objective of the cluster meeting was to identify how the Jean Monnet Activities can address the 

issues around the topic of a Union of Shared Values. These include declining civic participation and 

rising  disenchantment  with  democratic  politics,  increasing  challenges  to  fundamental  rights  by 

governments, and growing difficulties for intercultural understanding within nations, Europe, and the 

world. 

By  bringing  together  Jean  Monnet  Academics  who  work  on  the  themes  of  democratic  values, 

fundamental  rights,  and  intercultural  aspects,  the  cluster  meeting  created  an  environment  where 

best practices could be shared and where concrete proposals could be made on how to improve the 

Jean Monnet Activities and the field of European Union Studies. 

1 

 
 
 
Method of the Event  

The format of the Cluster Meeting aimed to provide a participatory environment for the discussion of 

key  themes  linked  to  the  topics  of  "A  Union  of  shared  values  –  the  role  of  education  and  civil 

society", in order to foster open and free-flowing debate, before gathering reflections in the form of 

tangible proposals. 

The discussions took place in several sessions: 

First session: during the first session, the keynote speaker, introduced the general policy context and 

sought  to  enhance  participants'  understanding  of  how  European  Integration  Studies  can  help  deal 

with the challenges that a union of shared values is currently facing. 

Second session: the second session took place in the form of a World Café. This discursive approach 

aimed  to  overcome  the  problems  of  conventional  formats  such  as  panel  discussions  and  question 

and answer sessions, and instead allowed all participants to contribute to the debate in an open and 

relaxed atmosphere. 

Participants were divided between 6 tables, and discussed the following questions: 

  Why is Jean Monnet important for supporting shared European values? 

  How could you make Jean Monnet better known outside the academic world? 

  What concrete contributions can the Jean Monnet Community make? 

Third  session:  the  third  session  took  place  in  the  form  of  an  Open  Space.  This  allowed  the  wider 

discussion of the morning to be funnelled into a more closely-defined framework. Here the focus was 

on discussing four main topics (Policy, Activities, Impact and Community) which resulted in concrete 

proposals being made on how to improve the ability of the Jean Monnet Activities to help tackle the 

various challenges towards democratic values, fundamental rights and intercultural harmony.   

Fourth session: Finally, the results of these discussions were harvested and presented in the form of 

specific recommendations by a panel of Jean Monnet Academics, representatives from students and 

civil society. 

Conclusion    

The Jean Monnet Cluster meeting 2016 was an opportunity to discuss to which extent Jean Monnet 

can contribute to the challenging situation in our societies, with a focus on a Union of Shared Values. 

The participants, mainly academic discussed together with students, EAC staff and the Jean Monnet 

2 

 
 
team from the Agency not only the nature of Jean Monnet Activities as such, but also their impact 

and  the  role  of  the  Jean  Monnet  Community.  Policy  aspects  tackled  the  questions;  such  as  how 

European  Studies  could  better  support  the  EU  Commission's  and  which  activities  could  reach  to  a 

wider  audience.  The  event  was  a  fruitful  working  day  and  resulted  in  numerous  and  concrete 

suggestions and recommendations for the future, which are described in chapters 4 and 5. 

3 

 
 
 
DETAILED REPORT 

1. Keynote Speech: How can the Jean Monnet Activities help deal with the 

challenges that a Union of shared values is currently facing? 

Michael Gaebel, Director of Higher Education Policy Unit, European University Association 

After a brief presentation of the membership and the role of the European University Association,  

Michael Gaebel introduced the subject of the cluster meeting by reminding the values promoted 

by the Treaties. 

He  first  presented  the  Articles  2  and  3  of  the  Treaty  on  European  Union  stressing  that  the 

European Union is founded on peace, democratic values and respect for human rights. Secondly, 

the  Declaration  of  Bologna,  pointing  out  that  a  Europe  of  knowledge  is  an  indispensable 

component to consolidate and enrich the European citizenship.  

Mr Gaebel highlighted that in practice, the reality we are facing is different and the current policy 

context  has  led  to  a  loss  of  European  values  and  an  infringement  of  human  rights  and 

fundamental freedoms.  Confronted with this situation, are the values emphasized by the Treaties 

taken for granted? In this regard, one may wonder: what is the role of Education? Has Education 

failed? 

There is now a great pressure and challenge to define, explain and demonstrate that these values 

are shared by all European countries.  

To  respond  to  these  challenges,  the  European  Union  has  revised  its  priorities  and  has 

implemented  initiatives  with  a  great  emphasis  on  social  skills  and  inclusiveness.    The  Yerevan 

Communiqué  in  2015  is  a  good  illustration  of  these  new  priorities,  such  as  making  European 

Education systems more inclusive. This is an essential aim for the European Higher Education Area 

as  European  population  become  more  and  more  diversified,  also  due  to  immigration  and 

demographic changes.  

In this context, the European University Association (EUA) stands up for University values such as 

openness, tolerance and inclusiveness. Diversity of opinion and the free exchange of ideas are the 

basis  of  all  academic  teaching  and  research.  By  supporting    a  range  of  activities  promoting  and 

protecting  fundamental  university  values,  EUA  expects,  among  others,    to  assist  students  and 

scholars  affected  by  Europe’s  refugee  crisis  and  to  protect  students  and  academic  staff  from 

violent attacks, improper external influence or intimidation. 

4 

 
 
Among  these  activities,  EUA  has  launched  a  campaign  to  support  inclusiveness  of  migrants  and 

refugees and to create an interactive "Refugees Welcome Map". 

This  "Refugees  Welcome  Map"  (http://refugeeswelcomemap.eua.be/Editor/Visualizer/Index/34) 

aims to increase visibility for initiatives of  Higher  Education  Institutions supporting the refugees 

and 

to  exchange  good  practices  and  opportunities 

for 

learning  and  exchange  

(http://eua.be/activities-services/eua-campaigns/refugees-welcome-map). 

Michael  Gaebel  also  presented  the  Observatory  Magna  Charta  Universitatum  signed  by  802 

Universities  from  85  Countries  that  provides  opportunities  for  discussion  and  debate  for 

universities seeking to meet societal goals and face crisis. The Observatory also cooperates with 

organizations such as "Scholars at Risk" (http://scholarsatrisk.nyu.edu/), an international network 

of institutions and individuals promoting the academic freedom and defending the human rights 

of scholars worldwide.  

In a period where  cultural diversity is seen more  as a threat rather than an asset, changing the 

paradigms and the teaching methods at school and at the University is essential to develop and to 

transmit the correct social and cultural skills.  

2. World Café Session 

The following chapter reflects the discussions, considerations, suggestions and statements made by 

the participants.  

2.1 Why is Jean Monnet important for supporting shared European values? 

The role of Jean Monnet Academics 

Jean  Monnet  Academics  are  European  Ambassadors,  advocates  of  European  values,  passing  their 

knowledge  and  sharing  it  with  other  participants.  They  are  the  ones  who  know  about  European 

problems, debates and values Jean Monnet Academics bring EU topics closer to society, spread EU 

values and push Political Leaders to make an impact. In their role as JM Professors they have first to 

share  European  Values,  then  explain  them  and  the  link  between  one  another  and  last  being  also 

critical  The  Jean Monnet Network can help and improve  the debate  and spread knowledge  in the 

triangle: Research – Teaching – Society.  

Jean Monnet activities are established to support European integration studies and by extension they 

support  European  values  -  currently  it  is  a  bigger  challenge  than  in  the  past.  The  Jean  Monnet 

5 

 
 
 
 
Academics have a responsibility to stay impartial and apolitical but also to comment on the current 

situation in Europe. 

Jean Monnet has a crucial role in supporting the European values  particularly at the moment. The 

education  should  be  objective,  critical  and  pluralistic.  Nevertheless,  even  with  the  principle  of 

freedom of thinking, certain core elements, fundamental values should be considered as paradigms 

and should not be put into question, even in the name of tolerance (e.g. Human Rights).  

The definition of European Values 

A further focus of discussion was the existence of EU values. Do they really exist? Are they specific? 

These were the main questions the participants asked themselves. Most citizens think that EU values 

are not their values, since they do not correspond to their national values. Since the '50s there has 

been  a  shift  in  the  EU  values,  therefore  they  should  be  updated  and  due  to  the  current  crisis  it  is 

difficult to understand their added value. Do we really share the European Values amongst us? 

Jean Monnet is a "niche" of the E+ programme: it is the European programme having most the EU 

values  at  the  centre  of  its  mission.  It  enables  the  debate  to  take  place  and  acts  in  the  role  of 

facilitator.  This  is  particularly  important  in  countries  where  strong  anti-European  sentiments  are 

emerging  that  are  questioning  the  EU  within  inside  -  or  in  those  where  a  strong  public  opinion  is 

emerging against the arrival and acceptance of refugees. During the discussion it was proposed that 

Jean  Monnet  should  open  a  debate  on  European  values  and  align  values  with  reality  for  a 

constructive debate. Jean Monnet should explore the demand for important issues within society to 

be discussed and tackled. 

Jean Monnet Activities  

Jean  Monnet  Activities  can  promote  tolerance,  stemming  from  the  shared  principles,  fixed  in  the 

treaties.  Many  EU  Member  States  do  not  implement  Art.  2  of  the  Treaty  and  European  Union 

experiences a difficulty to have one clear, objective view on how to achieve European integration.  

Without Jean Monnet activities everything related to EU integration would be left to the mass media 

and general information players. There won’t be a framework in the academia in which general echo 

would be fine-tuned properly. 

The Jean Monnet support allows the  preparation and creation of teaching materials to be  used by 

teachers and students in the lectures and activities. 

Jean  Monnet  is  crucial  for  values:  paradox  of  education  necessary  for  democracy  vs.  education  as 

social engineering. Jean Monnet can reconcile the two and provide  core  elements, which  promote 

stability. 

6 

 
Jean Monnet with a focus on inter-disciplinary approach can reach out to a larger audience, involving 

academics from different core subjects. 

The  outreach  of  Jean  Monnet  activities  to  citizens  is  essential  to  have  fundamental  rights  and  to 

defend them. Young people should be educated in this context and the strength of Jean Monnet is 

that it provides an impartial, objective and apolitical support. 

Jean Monnet activities can foster tolerance and it supports European values but it must ensure that it 

reflects the current reality.  

It was proposed to explore the media and establish mechanism to increase the interest of media in 

European  affairs  in  order  to  enhance  communication  at  local  and  regional  level;  the  Jean  Monnet 

community should more disseminate the information on European values outside the community.  

Jean Monnet should involve emotionally people in the debate through using untraditional methods 

of communication (online games, blogs etc.). The use of new technologies to spread content and link 

between teaching and research and society could be increased.  

Jean Monnet focuses primarily on students and professors who are already interested in European 

studies and it contributes to promotion of European studies within the universities. It is important, to 

reach out to the new disciplines at higher education level. In this context, it would also be important 

to reach out to primary and secondary schools and provide information and training for pupils and 

teachers in order prepare them even more for teaching European values (Introduction of European 

hours' at school e.g.). 

Jean  Monnet  could  increase  the  outreach  towards  the  citizens,  in  the  current  situation  in  Europe 

Jean  Monnet  can  support  initiatives  for  the  refugees  (example  of  a  university  offering  open  Jean 

Monnet lectures, for which the refugees are invited). 

As  Jean  Monnet  is  also  an  element  of  cultural  integration,  it  could  be  instrumental  in  the  refugee 

crisis:  by  providing  civic  education  it  can  help  refugees  to  better  understand  EU  values  thus 

facilitating their integration into our society.  

In  this  context,  Jean  Monnet  could  help  to  enhance  the  cultural  richness  and diversity  of  refugees 

wanting  to  enter  the  European  job  market.  The  founding  principle:  "unity  in  diversity"  must  be 

recalled, we are now facing different cultural realities that should be perceived as enrichment rather 

than a threat to EU societies. 

Jean  Monnet  is  an  instrument  to  promote  "European  citizenship  and  integration".  Tailor  made 

courses could be promoted or become compulsory teaching for certain professions and sectors (i.e. 

journalists, teachers, NGO's) 

Jean  Monnet  is  important  in  taking  a  stance  that  is  more  flexible,  that  takes  into  account  new 

realities and interpretations of fundamental right from an impartial and apolitical point of view. 

7 

 
 
2.2 How could you make Jean Monnet better known outside the academic world? 

The role of Jean Monnet Academics and students 

Jean  Monnet  should  contribute  to  public  debate.  Universities  and  Jean  Monnet  Academics  should 

promote  Jean  Monnet  achievements  and  outcomes  in  the  press  and  develop  a  communication 

strategy with the Media at local, regional and national level, in order to reach a larger general public; 

It would be pertinent to "recruit" journalists given their fundamental role in "tendency setting" and 

their strong influence in shaping public debate (most often against the EU). 

The  mobility  of  academics  and  students  between  different  Jean  Monnet  chairs  should  be 

encouraged.  Jean  Monnet  activities  should  strengthen  the  cooperation  between  universities  and 

business, think tanks and politicians. Representatives from the business sector and the political class 

should be encouraged to participate in Jean Monnet conferences and other activities. 

Allies should be sought within institutions to act as "multipliers" in helping to shape favourably the 

public  debate  about  the  EU.  This  could  be  a  role  taken  up  by  Jean  Monnet  Centres  of  Excellence. 

They should act as facilitators seeking to promote a wider outreach: schools (even at primary level), 

pedagogics, civic society, elderly…etc. 

Jean Monnet should seek to better communicate the EU issues outside its geographical boundaries. 

Jean Monnet Activities 

In  order  to  improve  the  outreach  of  Jean  Monnet  activities,  there  should  be  a  tightening  of  the 

relations with the civil society. Jean Monnet projects should be a bridge between universities and the 

civil society, in order to put together different kind of people  

Jean  Monnet  should  promote  a  new  generation  of  scholars  which  aim  to  promote  the  EU  in  new 

fields  of  study  thus  broadening  the  base  of  EU  studies,  Jean  Monnet  networks  could  be  a  good 

instrument to do so. 

The EU ideals and values have become a source of inspiration for academics world-wide and should 

be supported by the Jean Monnet activities especially in conflict regions or/and in areas not adhering 

to democratic values and fundamental rights. 

Dissemination and exploitation of results 

The development of materials on European values for schools and civil society should be encouraged.  

Jean Monnet activities should be promoted to a greater extent as means to strengthen branding and 

increasing visibility outside academia. The title of "Jean Monnet lecturer" should be kept for a longer 

time.  The  Jean  Monnet  title  is  a  symbol  of  prestige  and  public  recognition  much  sought  by 

academics. 

Involvement of civil society, stakeholders 

8 

 
Jean  Monnet  as  a  representative  of  academic  opinion  sought  after  in  political  debate  –  as  an 

informed opinion that is valued especially in the current economic and political climate. The activities 

as an outreach to citizens and to other non-academic players for whom Parliament is closed – Jean 

Monnet provides an important forum for debate. 

The Jean Monnet actions should be presented to other national professionals, such as lawyers. Most 

of the participants agreed that Jean Monnet actions should not just focus on universities, but also on 

schools,  involving  students,  together  with  their  parents.  This  could  be  a  way  to  open  and  link  the 

academic world to the civil society.  

It  would  be  important  to  teach  EU  studies  to  students  on  journalism  and  teacher  careers  because 

they will  be  multipliers  in their  professional  life.  Need  to  use  Jean Monnet more  in  the  context  of 

training  trainers  for  the  multiplier  effect  that  would  result  and  ensuring  a  direct  impact  outside 

academia. 

In  order  to  attract  also  entrepreneurs,  a  Jean  Monnet  profile  with  activities  for  this  target  group 

should be designed, including the support to re-qualification of refugees. 

The  National  Agencies  should  be  trained  and  to  be  more  involved  in  the  dissemination  of  Jean 

Monnet  activities  and  their  link  to  civil  society  could  be  used  much  more  in  order  to  spread 

information on European values. 

Use of new technologies 

Another proposal was the use of technologies, digital tools (e.g. face book, websites, platforms etc.) 

for dissemination of outcomes and results (e.g. using the EC website for teachers “School education 

gateway "or; connecting existing platforms for dissemination ); the outreach could also be enlarged 

via a new audience from art and culture.  

2.3 What concrete contribution could the Jean Monnet community make? 

The role of Jean Monnet Academics and students 

Ministers  of  Education  should  be  targeted  systematically  (by  the  Commission,  Jean  Monnet 

Academics)  to preach for the  introduction of EU studies in various levels of education (particularly 

High  Schools).  Members  of  European  Parliament  should  be  approached  in  order  to  increase  their 

aware about the importance of EU studies. This type of discourse is often branded as EU propaganda 

but it seems that here are also a number of strong voices against the EU, systematically working to 

destroy the EU legacy. In order to counterbalance effectively, the Jean Monnet community could play 

an instrumental role. 

9 

 
 
The  participants  agreed  that  there  should  be  more  occasions  for  Jean  Monnet  Academics  to 

communicate among them, a part form the Annual Conference and the Jean Monnet Network. Jean 

Monnet Academics and students should be used as Ambassadors. 

The  community  can  foster  the  creation  of  links  between  researchers  and  communities  –  creating 

"bridges". 

Jean Monnet Activities 

Regarding the Jean Monnet Activities, the "Europe at School" initiative should be brought back as a 

distinctive  action  of  the  Jean  Monnet  activities.  This  would  be  a  way  to  incentivize  universities  to 

widen the audience from university students to a much larger student population. 

EU funded courses and initiatives are required to use the EU logo as a contractual obligation but this 

is insufficient. They could be accompanied additionally by generic explanations or/and short on-line 

courses  prepared  by  Jean  Monnet  Academics.  The  European  Commission  should  be  a  more 

"outspoken" and insistent on the visibility of Jean Monnet. 

European Values 

There  is  an  urgent  need  to  create  an  Action  Committee  to  defend  European  values.  Everyone  has 

taken for granted for years that Europeans share a common set of values and that is now being put in 

question. 

Use the ECSAs to transmit the message of shared European values in a more active way. 

Dissemination and exploitation of results 

In  order  to  increase  the  dissemination  of  Jean  Monnet  activities,  Jean  Monnet  Academics  should 

institutionalize  the  Jean  Monnet  Community,  by  defining  common  Jean  Monnet  objectives,  which 

should create an impact to the real world. For instance it was suggested to create mobility between 

Jean Monnet chairs and to open up to other communities.  

The  relationship  with  the  media  (TV,  radios  newspapers  etc.)  should  be  strengthened,  in  order  to 

have an impact on public opinion.  

The  outcomes  of  Jean  Monnet  research  could  be  presented  at  top  level  political  forums  and 

meetings. Many Institutions have a weight that can be exploited. 

A task force could be set up to promote public debate aimed to reach a broad audience: enterprise 

committees, teachers…etc. To tackle these different audiences a new "narrative" should be used that 

can be easily understood by recipients, it is essential to adapt the language to the targeted audience. 

Community could support professional training for webinars/mock courses in cooperation with DG 

EAC – sessions via the platform and/or combine this activity with the Jean Monnet project activities 

10 

 
that involve this type of initiative any way to the mutual benefit of the Jean Monnet community as a 

whole. 

Involvement of civil society, stakeholders 

A  further  suggestion  was  that  the  European  Commission  supports  the  organisation  of  trainings  on 

new  teaching methods,  different  kinds  of  usages  (e.g.  in  the  format of  summer  schools)?  National 

Agencies in Member States and EU-Delegations could organise national events, in order to network 

with Jean Monnet professors outside the capital, and to support the dissemination of project results 

outside the academic community.  

The Committee of Regions, in spite of its consultative nature, would be a naturally in spreading the 

word  and  could  also  be  targeted.  They  could  be  involved  in  the  organization  of  "mock"  exercises 

promoted  by  the  Jean  Monnet  community.  Any  public  invested  authority  starting  with  local 

authorities  should  be  approached  in  order  to  create  public  spheres  of  influence  among  European 

networks. 

Jean Monnet could support training of teachers and journalists as potential multipliers and stronger 

links between the industry and academic community should be realised. 

Use of new technologies 

Jean Monnet community could exploit new technologies and methodologies to foster a greater sense 

of community through shared training sessions. It should open joint initiatives to a wider audience 

within the community through greater promotion of national meetings and networking activities. 

Regarding the Jean Monnet Community Platform, there should be (more) encouragement to become 

an  active  contributor  to  the  Jean  Monnet  network,  which  can  create  bridges  between  existing 

research. In this context, the European Commission has an important role to motivate academics.  

The use of open educational sources should become an obligatory element of Jean Monnet activities. 

Online engagement requires more effective work than networking with people in "live"  – example: 

preparation and organisation of webinars as a new kind of learning tool.  

3. Open space debate Session 

The second session developed in form of Open Space debate on the Jean Monnet Activities that were 

gathered during the cluster meeting and can be divided into four categories: policy, activities, impact, 

and community. Each topic comprises several questions further investigating the subjects.  

11 

 
 
3.1 Policy 

Regarding  the  Policy  topic,  the  participants  made  several  recommendations  to  the  European 

Commission on how the Jean Monnet Activities should be structured in order to promote a Union of 

shared values. This included a change of focus from supporting teaching and research in the areas of 

European  Union  Studies  that  are  already  well-established  in  higher  education  institutions,  such  as 

Law,  Economics,  and  the  History  of  European  Integration,  to  fields  that  are  currently  under-

developed or have a greater potential to reach an audience beyond the confines of academia. This 

could  be  achieved  by  creating  a  separate  activity  of  the  Jean  Monnet  Activities  that  would  be 

devoted  to  priority  themes  established  by  the  European  Commission,  such  as  migration, 

democratising the EU, and upholding fundamental rights. 

 A  further  idea  was  to  support  participation  in  events  rather  than  teaching  activities,  in  order  to 

create a  role  for  Jean  Monnet  Academics  and  students  as  "ambassadors"  for  the  European  Union, 

who  by  taking  part  in  workshops,  info  days,  and  conferences  would  better  be  able  to  disseminate 

their expertise on European affairs. In order to foster greater interaction and understanding between 

citizens  and  the  European  Union,  these  events  could  include  training  sessions  for  young  people or 

"Europe cafés", regular forums in which the public can come and discuss questions related to Europe 

with an informed and independent interlocutor. 

3.1.1. How can European Studies better support Commission Policy? 

The participants stated that the European Commission is not incisive enough in defending EU values. 

There  should  be  coherence  between  its  policy  objectives  and  its  actual  implementation,  a  more 

pragmatic approach is therefore needed.   

"EU Studies" has a unique status as chief promoter of European values. There is a common standard 

of  values  inherent  in  the  Jean  Monnet  Community;  they  could  be  instrumental  in  bringing  the 

European dimension into each sphere of public life. 

The  added  value  of  Jean  Monnet  Academics  is  their  academic  independence;  the  European 

Commission should avoid to be seen as imposing a model. They could give a "sense of direction" to 

the  European  Commission  and  act  as  "knowledge  providers"  at  policy  level,  to  be  perceived  as 

Ambassadors for Jean Monnet Activities.  

A list of Jean Monnet Academics specialized in different policy fields could be set up and be put  at 

disposal of EU consultative and legislative bodies (notably the European Commission, the European 

Parliament and Committee of Regions).  

12 

 
The European Commission, during the Annual Jean Monnet conference, could analyse solid proposals 

coming from Jean Monnet Academics, leading to concrete outcomes. 

3.1.2. Quantity versus quality 

The  participants  suggested  that  Jean  Monnet  Activities  should  not  focus  in  promoting  exclusively 

research, but they should also build upon their capacity to disseminate the results of such research. 

The question of "quality" and "who" should be trained is  very relevant; the proposal that came up 

from  the  discussion  was  to  train  prominent  journalists  as  well  as  young  students,  as  they  will  be 

important multipliers for the target group.  

Jean  Monnet  courses  and  activities  should  be  built  to  best  meet  the  prerogatives  of  the  targeted 

public.  Some  ideas  can  be  extremely  effective  and  have  a  great  multiplier  effect  when  addressing 

certain segments of population (i.e. connection between youth and social media).  

3.1.3. Which activities would reach a wider audience? 

It was discussed that activities with a new narrative, moving away from the "eurocratic" jargon, could 

reach and attract a wider audience. A "Back to School" initiative for Jean Monnet Academics could be 

a good opportunity  in order  to inform the young generation about  their personal and professional 

experience. 

For  younger  audiences,  communicating  via  alternative  sources  (such  as  social media,  art or  music) 

has  proven  to  be  very  effective  for  some  "EU  at  School"  projects;  exploring  new  ways  to 

communicate with younger audiences should be incentivized. 

Increasing meetings and consultations with stakeholders in specific sectors enabling the creation of 

"sectorial  communities"  could  also  be  effective.  The  targeting  of  specific  sectors  in  the  arts  and 

culture, general education, sport domain, in the public administration and especially in the business 

sector, will widen the reach out to civic society and the population at large.      

Activities  such  as  the  sharing  of  good  practices  and  the  exploitation  of  the  results  of  excellent 

initiatives  promoted  by  other  international  organizations  or  other  successful  EU  programmes  and 

initiatives could be also a way to broaden the general audience.   

3.1.4 Policy feedback participants and voting 

After the discussion and the elaboration of numerous recommendations the participants were asked 

to express their preferences by voting their favourite proposals.  

13 

 
 
 
 
On the first question: How can European Studies better support Commission Policy? The most voted 

proposals were three1: first, the establishment of common knowledge, by the creation of a common 

knowledge  database/  website  to  use  for  broader  public  and  education  in  schools;  second,  the 

strengthening  of  the  link  between  European  Studies  information  and  EU  communication;  and  last 

one, the use of Jean Monnet knowledge in designing policies. 

On  the  second  question:    Quantity  (numbers of  participants)  vs.  Quality  (content),  the most  voted 

proposals  were  two:  Improving  EU  knowledge,  by  having  two  basic  lessons  on  EU  in  all  training 

courses funded by structural funds; and the possibility to flexibly adapt the content of the projects to 

the changing of the world situation.  

On  the  third  question:  Which  activities  could  reach  a  wider  audience?  The  most  voted  proposals 

were: Creating a specific "Learning EU at School" Call; Organise a "Back to School" Initiative, asking 

Jean  Monnet  Academics  and  their  students  to  go  back  to  their  secondary  school  and  speak  about 

European  values  and  their  work;  and  enhancing  the  use  of  media,  which  combines  "easy 

access"/"low threshold" message with access to background information.  

3.2 Activities 

Jean Monnet Activities should identify their intended target groups more precisely; this is especially 

necessary  when  approaching  "civil  society",  in  larger  terms.  Co-operation  between  Jean  Monnet 

actions  and  activities  of  the  Aid  Volunteers  and  Youth  Cooperation  programmes  of  the  European 

Commission  would  also  be  valuable.  Jean  Monnet  Activities  should  also  offer  more  Massive  Open 

Online Courses (MOOCs) in order to reach target groups interested in learning about the European 

Union  and  its  values,  but  who  do  not  have  the  opportunity  to  attend  classes  in  a  formal  setting. 

Where  possible,  activities  could  also  play  an  important  role  in  assisting  with  the  integration  of 

refugees in their societies. 

3.2.1. Which activities would create synergies with other programmes?  

The participants during the discussion suggested the promotion of a stronger synergy between Jean 

Monnet Activities, the European Commission Representations and National Agencies. Information on 

Jean Monnet Activities in each country is available via the Jean Monnet Directory2 and the different 

country fiches produced by the Executive Agency; in this way, Jean Monnet Academics can be used 

as a valuable source of expertise.  

1 For the full list of proposals and votes see point 5.  
2 Jean Monnet Directory  link <<https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/JeanMonnetDirectory/#/search-screen/>>  

14 

 
 
 
                                                           
 Jean Monnet Activities should insist on the obligation to organise activities connecting universities 

and  civil  society,  involving  different  stakeholders  on  a  more  formal  level  (i.e. Consortium  including 

both actors).  

Furthermore,  it  was  proposed  the  introduction  of  mobility  between  Jean  Monnet  Academics  and 

students, in order to enhance the exchange of European values and cultures.  

3.2.2. Which activities would counter EU-sceptics or integrate migrants? 

It was confirmed that Jean Monnet Activities have an important role in overcoming the stereotypes 

on  the  refugees;  its  activities  should  help  to  create  situations  of  actual  encounter  between  the 

society  and  the  immigrants,  re-educating  the  perception  of  immigrants  as  people  and  not  as 

statistics. In this framework since teaching students about EU-scepticism is not sufficient, studies on 

multiculturalism  should  be  stimulated  within  Jean  Monnet  Activities.    It  would  be  interesting  to 

conduct an analysis on the reason why some countries are more open to refugees than others, and 

organise  meetings  between  scholars  from  different  countries  on  that  subject.  Furthermore,  Jean 

Monnet  Academics  should  be  involved  in  the  organisation of  meetings  with  municipalities,  to  help 

establishing contacts between schools and refugee centres. 

3.2.3. Could activities make better use of new tools and technologies?  

It was suggested that Jean Monnet Academics should explore innovative and participatory teaching 

and  communication  methods.  Art  should  be  a  vehicle  for  transmitting  the  message  on  European 

Union (i.e. live blogs on EU, competitions and different social media tools); E-Twinning could be used 

as a platform for discussion.  

Moreover,  a  website  including  "theming"  of  current  Jean  Monnet  Activities  on  subjects  such  as 

integration  of  refugees  etc.  could  be  created  and  linked  with  the  European  Commission  and  the 

Agency website to ensure visibility within the Jean Monnet community. 

3.2.4 Activities feedback participants and voting 

After the discussion and the elaboration of numerous recommendations the participants were asked 

to express their preferences by voting their favourite proposals. 

On  the  first  question:  Which  activities  would  create  synergies  with  other  programmes?  The  most 

voted  proposals  were:  the  creation  of  a  Programme  which  could  link  Jean  Monnet  activities  with 

"Europe for citizens; Encouraging teachers to use eTwinning and pile up projects dealing with 

similar topics.  

15 

 
 
 
 
On the second question: Which activities would counter euro scepticism or integrate migrants? The 

most voted proposals were three: create an "EU Application" with answers to the most often asked 

questions by Eurosceptics, in order to debunk prejudices; insert    Inter-cultural approach in curricula 

and organise Inter-cultural events, bringing immigrants and locals (or ERASMUS students) in contact.  

On  the  third  question:  Could  activities  make  better  use  of  new  tools  and  technologies?  The  most 

voted  proposals  were  two:  create  an  online  WIKI  on  Jean  Monnet  projects  spreading  different 

European Values; and encourage the use of new tools and technology. 

3.3 Impact 

Within this subject, a better use of IT tools was identified as a fruitful area for a better impact of the 

activities' results and outcomes. It is vital for each project to have its own regularly updated website 

through which it can publish information on its work and public activities in an accessible manner. In 

addition, the European Commission could create and maintain a central Jean Monnet website (e.g. 

www.jeanmonnet.eu) that would link to the websites of the respective activities and would provide 

easily accessible information on the breadth of the Jean Monnet network and an up-to-date guide to 

activities'  events,  as  well  as  facilitate  communication  and  collaboration  between  projects.  Jean 

Monnet Activities need to communicate more through social media.  

3.3.1. Can Jean Monnet Activities make you feel more European?    

The  participants  suggested  that  Jean  Monnet  Activities  can  make  you  feel  more  European  if  the 

debate on European values is constantly updated in response to the reality and an impact is possible 

if the policy is fed by results achieved. 

3.3.2. How can this be transmitted to a more diverse audience? 

It  was  proposed  that  the  Jean  Monnet  Community  should  explore  methods  for  regular  exchanges 

with  the  European  Commission,  European  Parliament  and  the  European  Council  in  order  to 

communicate ideas; while Jean Monnet Academics should not target just university students, and on 

the most common domains (i.e. languages, political science, history etc.) but they should reach also 

to: schools, enterprises, civil servants etc. 

3.3.3. Will Jean Monnet students become European ambassadors?  

It was  confirmed that students  could become  European ambassadors, but  they should be  involved 

much more actively in Jean Monnet Activities. In addition, Jean Monnet Activities themselves should 

reach out to primary and secondary school, involving the families of this young generation.    

16 

 
3.3.4 Impact feedback participants and voting 

After the discussion and the elaboration of numerous recommendations the participants were asked 

to express their preferences by voting their favourite proposals. 

On  the  first  question:  How  can  Jean  Monnet  foster  democratic  values?  The  most  voted  proposals 

were two: Identify what topics related to EU are missing in school curricula help filling the gaps and 

create a Jean Monnet Student Network. 

On the second question: How can these be transmitted to a more diverse audience? Two proposals 

received most votes: promote digital innovation, especially social media and MOOCs as useful tools 

to raise awareness on the importance of European Values; and Foster debate on current European 

issues with societal impact. 

On the third question: Will Jean Monnet students become European ambassadors? The most voted 

proposals were two: use Students as "Values Ambassadors", empowering students, having their own 

opinion on the European history, policy etc. to be "Values Ambassadors" for various audiences; and 

involve  Students  attending  EU  courses  and  Jean  Monnet  Modules  in  research  and  dissemination 

outside the academic world. 

3.4 Community 

It  was  stressed  that  more  can  be  done  to  strengthen  the  Jean  Monnet  Community  and  raise  its 

profile vis-à-vis policy makers, civil society organisations, students, and the general public. This could 

begin  by  creating  a  network  of  Jean  Monnet  ambassadors  composed  of  former  beneficiaries  and 

students  that  could  communicate  the  achievements  of  Jean  Monnet  Activities  and  play  a  role  in 

promoting the values that Jean Monnet represents. Moreover, the political interest of the European 

Commission towards the Jean Monnet Community should be rekindled, through more opportunities 

to build contacts between professors and European Commission officials, as well as the production of 

policy papers and reflections on solutions to challenges that the EU may be facing. 

3.4.1. How can we reinforce the Jean Monnet community? 

From  the  discussion  it  came  up  that  the  Jean  Monnet  Community  can  be  reinforced  though  two 

actions: a collective and formal recognition awarded by the European Commission and the European 

Parliament to the Jean Monnet community members that would enable the latter to "disturb", etc. 

and  by  creating  National  chapters  and  organising  meetings  and  events.  Moreover,  to  improve  the 

dissemination of Jean Monnet activities by the universities themselves, the participants suggested to 

facilitate the administrative tasks the Professors have to perform, for instance including tips on how 

to create a website (to ensure consistence and to be recognizable, there could be a fixed template). 

17 

 
3.4.2. Could the Commission make better use of the community? 

The participants confirmed that Jean Monnet Community can be seen as a lobby for the spread of 

European values.  The  European  Commission  should  strengthen  the  Community in  each  country,  in 

order for Jean Monnet Academics to be recognized as experts on European values.  

3.4.3. Should the community take a more proactive role? 

It was suggested that the Community should take a proactive role not only teaching but being active 

in the (re)construction of the EU.  

3.4.4 Community feedback participants and voting 

After the discussion and the elaboration of numerous recommendations the participants were asked 

to express their preferences by voting their favourite proposals. 

On the first question: How can we reinforce the Jean Monnet community? The most voted proposals 

were  three:  the  creation  of  National  Chapters  where  Jean  Monnet  Academics  can  meet  and 

exchange best practices; Badging and Branding Jean Monnet Community in order to become better 

known to the wider public; and, enable the mobility of Jean Monnet Chairs from one University to 

another.  

On the second question: Could the Commission make better use of the community? The most voted 

proposals  were  three:  giving  official  recognition  to  the  Jean  Monnet  community  with  a  license  to 

disturb  and  to  have  a  direct  impact;  Use  the  community's  consultative  capacity  and  present  the 

community  as  a  community  of  experts:  and,  Increase  Jean  Monnet  visibility  and  dynamism  also  at 

national level. 

On the third question: Should the community take a more proactive role? The proposals made, were 

just two and did not receive any votes: Create a Jean Monnet Lobby to let Jean Monnet Academics 

propose their own strategy and open a discussion among the Jean Monnet community, the European 

Commission and the European Parliament. 

4. Thoughts for the future 

Numerous  proposals  and  various  reflections  were  made  during  the  World  Café  questions  and  the 

Open Space debate on how Jean Monnet Activities contribute and address the topic of 'A Union of 

shared values – the role of education and civil society'. The following items reflect the main thoughts 

discussed and evocated:  

18 

 
 
 
  
- Jean Monnet Activities as a 'niche' for European values 

This action having most the European Values at the centre of its mission enables debates and acts in 

the role of facilitator and becomes particularly important where strong anti-European sentiments are 

emerging and where societies are confronted with challenging situations. 

- Jean Monnet Academics could be more used by EU-Institutions  

Jean Monnet Academics specialised in different policy fields could be at the disposal of the European 

Union  legislative  and  consultative  bodies,  notably  the  European  Commission,  the  European 

Parliament and the Committee of the Regions. They could give a 'sense of direction' to the European 

Commission and act as 'knowledge 'providers at political level, perceived as 'Ambassadors' for Jean 

Monnet Activities. 

- Jean Monnet activities could reach out to broader audience 

Jean Monnet  academics could increase  the  dissemination of their knowledge  and the outcomes  of 

their projects outside the community by strengthening the relationship with the media (TV, Radios, 

newspapers) at local and regional level in order to have an impact on the public opinion.  

Jean  Monnet  activities  could  support  trainings  for  teachers  and  journalists  as  potential  multipliers 

and foster stronger links between industry and the academic community.  

Concrete examples: the creation of a "Back to School" Initiative,  by asking Jean Monnet Academics 

and their students to go back to their secondary school and speak about European values and their 

work; and the Pile up of projects dealing with similar topics. Within Jean Monnet activities with very 

similar content networks between-them (Universities/organizations) could be established.  

- Jean Monnet activities could include more alternative sources of communication 

For  younger  audiences,  communicating  via  alternative  sources  (such  as  social media,  art or  music) 

has been proven to be very effective and should be encouraged.  

Concrete  examples:  the  creation  of  an  "EU  APP"  with  answers  to  the  questions  most  often 

mentioned by EU-sceptics, in order to debunk prejudices;  the creation of an online WIKI,  an online 

manual giving examples of Jean Monnet projects spreading different European Values. 

- Jean Monnet community more active in networking 

The  Jean  Monnet  community  could  become  a  more  active  contributor  to  the  Jean  Monnet 

community  through  greater  promotion  of  national  meetings  and  networking  activities  and  exploit 

new technologies and methodologies to do so.  

Concrete  examples:  the  creation  of  National  Chapters  where  Jean  Monnet  Academics  could  meet 

and  exchange  best  practices;  badging  and  branding  Jean  Monnet  Community  in  order  to  become 

better known to the wider public; giving official recognition to the Jean Monnet community with a 

19 

 
license  to  disturb  and  to  have  a  direct  impact;  using  the  community's  consultative  capacity  and 

present  the  community  as  a  community  of  experts;    creating    a  Jean  Monnet  Student  Network, 

where  there  could  be  impact  of  fundamental  values  between  Professor,  Students  and  the  Civil 

Society at personal and individual level (starting at primary school level).  

- Jean Monnet mobility of Academics and Students 

The mobility of academics and students between different Jean Monnet chairs should be encouraged 

Concrete examples:  the  creation of Chair-to-Chair  projects,  in order to  increase  intra  Jean Monnet 

mobility. The Commission should enable the mobility of Jean Monnet Chairs from one University to 

another.  

- Jean Monnet an element of – cultural - integration 

The  action  could  become  one  side  an  important  tool  in  the  refugee  crises,  by  providing  civic 

education supporting refugees to better understanding EU and on the other, a tool of information for 

certain professions and sectors (journalists, teachers, NGOs' etc.) facing different – cultural – realities 

and promoting  'European citizenship and integration. 

- Jean Monnet – develop material on European values for schools and broader public 

Within Jean Monnet activities, the development of material on European values for schools and civil 

society should be encouraged.  

Concrete  examples:  the  creation  of  a  common  knowledge  database/  website,  in  order  to  have 

consensus in knowledge, to use for broader public and education in schools; identify what is missing 

in school curricula: Jean Monnet activities should identify what is missing in school curricula (topics 

related to EU), draw attention on them and help filling the gaps. Renew the discourse on European 

Values: lesson from the past and current concrete meaning of values. 

- Jean Monnet basic lessons on EU subjects 

By offering two basic lessons on European issues in all training courses funded by structural funds, 

the interest and knowledge could be improved. 

- Jean Monnet Activities – Introduction of new narrative jargon 

A  new  narrative  jargon,  moving  away  from  the  'eurocratic'  one  could  reach  and  attract  a  wider 

audience. 

 - Jean Monnet Activities build up synergies with the labour market and National Agencies 

Jean  Monnet  Activities  could  establish  a  closer  link  towards  the  labour  market/  business  and  the 

National  Agencies  in  each country  in  order  to  spread  information  and  exchange  of  good  practices. 

Concrete  examples:  the  creation  of  a  partnership  between  a  university  and  public/private 

20 

 
organizations/associations,  where  the  university  organizes  conferences/seminars  stressing  the 

theories  of  European  Integration,  while  the  organizations/associations  gathers  citizens  for  direct 

participation. This could be  done  by linking together "Jean Monnet  Projects" on the one  hand and 

"Civil society projects" in the framework of "Democratic engagement and civic participation" on the 

other hand. 

Another example could be –eTwinning, encouraging teachers to use it, in order to promote further 

collaboration  between  schools  from  different  EU  countries  and  to  develop  projects  together.  This 

could push students from all around Europe to discuss EU topics.  

- Jean Monnet title – a symbol of prestige and public recognition 

The Jean Monnet title for Academics should be strengthened and the visibility increased outside 

academia. It is a symbol of prestige and public recognition. 

5. Concrete Ideas and Suggestions brought forward 

During  the  event  the  following  ideas  and  suggestions,  related  to  the  main  topics,  were  raised  and 

voted by the participants.  

Policy 

1.  How can European Studies better support Commission Policy? 

  Create  common  knowledge.  Create  consensus  in  knowledge,  to  use  for  broader 

public and education in schools. A common knowledge database/ website should be 

created. (Total: 6 Votes) 

  Use Jean Monnet knowledge in designing policies (Total: 3 Votes) 

  European Studies information is complementary to EU communication.  It discusses 

pros and cons. (Total: 5 Votes) 

  Target the  audience. European studies  should target the audience,  linking students 

from various levels of education, but also horizontally from different sectors/ areas. 

This will enhance active involvement of students. (Total: 1 Vote) 

  Commission  Representations  as  mediators 

in  between  JEAN  MONNET  and 

Commission policy. (0 votes) 

  There  should  be  an  overlap  between  Commission  priorities  (JEAN  MONNET/ 

Erasmus+) and own objectives and priorities. (0 votes) 

  Consensus  on  higher  education  policy.  The  Commission  should  first  achieve  a 

preliminary consensus on what higher education policy should be about. (0 votes) 

21 

 
 
  Support  the  process  and  not  the  outcome.  Involve  JEAN  MONNET  stakeholders  in 

ERASMUS  +  Regulation;  facilitate  protest  against  JEAN  MONNET  Chairs  that  run 

against Art. 2. (0 votes) 

2.  Quantity (numbers of participants) vs. Quality (content) 

 

Improve EU knowledge. Have 2 basic lessons on EU in all training courses funded by 

structural funds. (Total: 3 Votes) 

  Flexible use of content. If the current situation changes, beneficiaries should be able 

to work on other topics than the ones foreseen in the project application. (Total: 1 

Vote) 

  The quality of participants is important. (0 votes) 

  Focus on the content and not on the quality and number of participants. (0 votes) 

3.  Which activities could reach a wider audience? 

  Bring back a specific "Learning EU at School" Call (Total: 5 Votes) 

 

"Back  to  School"  Initiative.    Ask  Jean  Monnet  Academics  and  their  students  to  go 

back  to  their  secondary  school  and  speak  about  European  values  and  their  work. 

(Total: 3 Votes) 

  Media.  The  use  of  media  combines  "easy  access"/"low  threshold"  message  with 

access to background information, together with further readings. (Total: 3 Votes) 

  SMEs.  Establish  a  contact  between  SMEs  and  Jean  Monnet  communities,  also 

through the help of the Chambers of Commerce. (Total: 2 Votes) 

 

"European Awareness Day". Exploit its format in the EU communication campaigns. 

(Total: 2 Votes) 

  Use  Jean  Monnet  Community  as  "Europe  Team  of  Experts"  for  Commission 

 

 

Representatives and Media. (Total: 2 Votes) 

Local  Communities.  Be  in  touch  with  organised  interests  in  the  local  communities. 

(Total: 2 Votes) 

Involvement  of  relevant  civil  society.  Jean  Monnet  projects  and  networks  should 

have a requirement or should be given extra points for involvement of relevant civil 

society  NGO's  or  there  should  be  the  possibility  to  do  joint  projects  between  Jean 

Monnet and "Europe for citizens" programme.  (0 votes) 

22 

 
 
 
  Cross-fertilisation. The cross fertilisation of different disciplines, from politics to the 

arts, could reach the civil society, SME's administration civil servants, and they could 

exchange ideas on Jean Monnet portal: Jean Monnet own website.  (0 votes) 

Activities 

1.  Which activities would create synergies with other programmes? 

 

Link Jean Monnet with "Europe for citizens" programme. In order to create a higher 

impact Jean Monnet Activities could be linked with "Europe for citizens" programme. 

Since Europe for citizens does not deal with academic programs, but it has a direct 

impact  on  the  civil  society,  while  Jean  Monnet  activities  deal  more  with  academic 

programs, and has a higher impact on students, we could create a programme which 

links the two.  

  The two activities that could be easily linked are: "Jean Monnet Projects" on the one 

hand and "Civil society projects" in the framework of "Democratic engagement and 

civic  participation"  on  the  other  hand.  A  partnership  between  a  university  and 

public/private organizations/associations could be established: where the university 

organizes  conferences/seminars  stressing  the  theories  of  European  Integration, 

while the organizations/associations gathers citizens for direct participation. (Total: 4 

Votes) 

  eTwinning.  Encouraging  teachers  to  use  eTwinning,  in  order  to  promote  further 

collaboration between schools from different EU countries and to develop projects 

together. This will push students from all around Europe to discuss EU topics  (Total: 

4 Votes) 

  Pile up projects dealing with similar topics. When we receive Jean Monnet activities 

with very similar content we could contact the Universities/organizations in order to 

create a network. (Total: 4 Votes) 

  National  Events.  Organising  national  events  on  European  topics  involving  several 

programmes,  for  ex.:  How  can  Erasmus+  better  contribute  to  the  European  idea? 

(Total: 2 Votes) 

 

Link Jean Monnet projects with other Erasmus+ projects. Bring different projects and 

organisations  in  contact  by  enlarging  mobility.  Stimulate  concrete  exchange  and 

cooperation between projects, workshops Total: 1 Vote) 

  Creating centralised application platform system. (0 votes) 

 

Link with activities involving Human Rights. (0 votes) 

23 

 
 
2.  Which activities would counter EU-scepticism or integrate migrants? 

  EU APP. Create an "EU APP" with answers to the questions most often mentioned by 

EU-sceptics, in order to debunk prejudices.   (Total: 9 Votes) 

 

Inter-cultural approach in curricula. Review practice to ensure curriculum, pedagogy 

& assessment has an inter-cultural orientation. This will enable migrants living in EU 

to familiarize easier with EU values (Total: 4 Votes) 

 

Inter-cultural events. Bring immigrants and locals (or ERASMUS students) in contact 

with each other by organising events to discuss EU topics, including both parties but 

also  teaching  students  where  immigrants  come  from  and  why  they  left.  This  will 

show locals the struggles immigrants face.  (Total: 2 Votes) 

 

Interculturalism as a subject. Insert interculturalism as a topic of teaching, in order to 

make it easier for migrants to integrate (Total: 2 Votes) 

  Debate  on  EU-scepticism.  Open  up  debates,  as  "safe  contact  zones",  between  EU-

sceptics and pro-Europeans to let people share their arguments in a respected way. 

The debate will teach how important the EU is. (Total: 1 Vote) 

  Syrian War virtual reality. Create a virtual reality "Syrian Civil War" in order to foster 

empathy for refugees (Total: 1 Vote) 

  Documentaries and exhibitions on EU topics and on good examples of integration of 

immigrants in EU societies. (0 votes)  

  MOOCs.  Creation  of  free  online  courses  that  cover  topics  of  European  integration 

and integration of refugees (0 votes) 

3.  Could activities make better use of new tools and technologies? 

  Online  WIKI.  An  online  manual  giving  examples of  Jean  Monnet  projects  spreading 

different European Values (Total: 4 Votes) 

  Use  of  new  tools  and  technology:  new  tools  should  be  more  user  friendly    and 

contribute to the content of the activities, supporting their spread Total: 3 Votes) 

  Chatbox  "Miss  Europe".  Create  a  chat  to  answer  questions  about  all  funding 

opportunities from EU institutions (0 votes) 

 

Instagram  contest/photo  contest.    Competition  targeting  different  age  groups, 

provoking/  pushing  them  to  think  about  European  Values  from  different 

perspectives. (0 votes) 

24 

 
 
 
  Social Media. Use more social media in order to increase the visibility of the projects 

to  the  wider  public  and  the  "non"  academic  world.    Other  useful  tools  could  be: 

webinars, competitions, platforms, life blogs or videos. (0 votes) 

Impact 

1.  How can Jean Monnet foster democratic values? 

 

Identify  what  is  missing  in  school  curricula.  Jean  Monnet  activities  should  identify 

what is missing in school curricula (topics related to EU), draw attention on them and 

help filling the gaps. Renew the discourse on European Values: lesson from the past 

and current concrete meaning of values (Total: 9 Votes) 

 

Jean Monnet Student Network. Create a Jean Monnet Student Network, where there 

could  be  impact  of  fundamental  values  between  Professor,  Students  and  the  Civil 

Society  at  personal  and  individual  level  (starting  at  primary  school  level.  (Total:  6 

Votes) 

 

 

Long-term  sustainability.  Need  to  ensure  long-term  sustainability  of  results  of  Jean 

Monnet projects. (Total: 2 Votes) 

Jean  Monnet  Chairs  mobility.  The  impact  of  the  Jean  Monnet  Chairs  can  be 

reinforced  by  more  collaborative  work  and  exchange  in  the  community  of  Jean 

Monnet Chairs. (Total: 2 Votes) 

  Create a Jean Monnet Activity having the impact already in mind. Thinking about the 

impact  from  the  beginning  of  the  projects  in  order  to  make  them  sustainable  (0 

votes)  

  Give more resources (0 votes) 

2.  How can these be transmitted to a more diverse audience? 

  Use  digital innovation. Using digital innovation, especially  social media and MOOCs 

as  useful  tools  to  raise  awareness  on  the  importance  (and  concrete  results)  of 

European Values to a wider society. (Total: 4 Votes) 

  Foster  debate.    Fostering  debate  on  current  European  issues  with  societal  impact, 

this will create a well-informed society with critical mind-set. (Total: 2 Votes) 

  Especially designed activities for target groups outside the project (Total: 1 Vote) 

3.  Will Jean Monnet students become European ambassadors? 

25 

 
 
 
 
  Students  as  "Values  Ambassadors".  Universities  should  empower  students,  having 

their own opinion on the European history, policy etc. to be "Values Ambassadors" 

for various audiences (schools, NGOs, Civil Society)  (Total: 12 Votes) 

  Dissemination  through  Jean  Monnet  students.  Students  attending  EU  courses  and 

Jean Monnet Modules should be involved in activities in research and dissemination 

outside the academic world. (Total: 3 Votes) 

Community 

1.  How can we reinforce the Jean Monnet community? 

  National  Chapters.  Create  National  Chapters  where  Jean  Monnet  Academics  can 

meet and exchange best practices. (Total: 4 Votes) 

 

Jean  Monnet  Toolkit.    Badging  and  Branding  Jean  Monnet  Community  in  order  to 

become better known to the wider public (Total: 5 Votes) 

  Chair-to-Chair  projects/  To  increase  intra  Jean  Monnet  mobility.  The  Commission 

should  enable  the  mobility  of  Jean  Monnet  Chairs  from one  University  to  another. 

(Total: 3 Votes) 

  Common web template. The Commission should provide common web templates in 

order to enable integration, to alleviate administrative burden and improve internal/ 

external visibility. (Total: 2 Votes) 

 

Jean  Monnet  project  patron.  The  European  Commission  should  create  an 

intermediary between EACEA & individual project manager (Total: 1 Vote) 

  Social Media. A better use of Social Media (Total: 1 Vote) 

2.  Could the Commission make better use of the community? 

  Official  recognition.  The  Commission  should  officially  recognize  the  Jean  Monnet 

community with a license to disturb and to have a direct impact (Total: 10 Votes) 

  Community  of  experts.  Use  the  community's  consultative  capacity  and  present  the 

community as a community of experts (Total: 5 Votes) 

 

Increase Jean Monnet visibility and dynamism. The Commission should increase Jean 

Monnet community visibility as well as its dynamism, also at national level. (Total: 3 

Votes) 

  Make use of the Jean Monnet community against anti-European threats 

3.  Should the community take a more proactive role? 

26 

 
 
 
 
 

Jean  Monnet  Lobby  group.  Create  a  Jean  Monnet  Lobby  to  let  Jean  Monnet 

Academics propose their own strategy. (0 votes) 

  Open discussion among Jean Monnet community, the European Commission and the 

European Parliament (0 votes) 

27 

 
 
 
ANNEX  1  –  Feedback  Survey  Result  Cluster  Jean  Monnet  Cluster 

Meeting 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  Jean  Monnet  Cluster  meeting,  an  online  survey  was  submitted  to  all  the 

participants in order to provide feedback and assess the participants' satisfaction with the format of 

the event and the event as a whole.  

The survey was conceived by Unit EACEA R.1 which also provided detailed statistics and feedback. 

1. Survey Feedback - General overview 

45%  of  participants  responded  to  the  survey.  The  feedback  was  very  positive:  85%  of  survey 

respondents considered the event to be useful (14%) or very useful (71%), while 100% of participants 

stated that the format of the meeting fulfilled (86%) or partially fulfilled (14%) their expectations.  

Logistics,  the  practical  organisation  and  the  pre-conference  information  were  also  rated  very 

positively. While the content and structure of the day also scored well, some respondents suggested 

possible improvements in this area. 

100% of survey respondents appreciated the themes and formats of the different sessions, indicating 

that they fulfilled (86%) or partially fulfilled (14%) their expectations.  

Of note that 86% of survey respondents indicated that the support they received from EACEA staff 

fulfilled expectations. 

29%  of  survey  respondents  attended  the  Cluster  meeting  to  learn  more  about  the  topics  covered, 

29% attended to network, while another 38% provided other reasons, such as providing ideas on the 

improvement of the programme and to share experiences. 

2. Survey Feedback – On-site Participation 

The Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Cluster meeting was attended by a total of 52 participants (35 excluding 

staff), 17 were EACEA staff, of which 5 were part of the hosting team. 

A survey to assess the satisfaction of event participants was carried out between 18th and 25th April 

2016 using the platform EUSurvey.  

28 

 
 
 
A total of 21 participants responded to the survey, 45% of the participants present at the event. As 

stated  before,  the  majority  of  the  respondents  (combined  85%)  considered  the  event  to  be  very 

useful or useful; and the same for the information provided before the event (combined 76%). 

It can be said that the choice of topics has been very successful since 86% of respondents indicated 

that the themes of the different sessions fulfilled their expectations.  

The  keynote  speech  was  also  appreciated  by  the  majority  of  the  respondents,  but  they  were  less 

enthusiastic and some commented that there was no link between the keynote speech and the event 

as a whole.  

Concerning the World Café session, most of the respondents indicated that all the three questions 

fulfilled their expectations. 

The Open Space session let the respondents slightly less enthusiastic than the World Café, although it 

can be said that all the topics chosen fulfilled the expectations of the majority of respondents.  

The vast majority of survey respondents (86%) indicated that the format of the meeting fulfilled the 

expectations. And even a wider majority (90%) was very satisfied with the practical organisation of 

the  event.  Survey  respondents  praised  the  logistics,  the  practical  organisation  and  the  meeting 

rooms (95%).  

The EACEA staff was also praised by the majority of the survey respondents (86%) which indicated 

that the support from Agency staff fulfilled their expectations. 

Finally, the survey respondents indicated the main reasons for attending the Cluster Meeting, which 

were pretty varied as it can be seen by the graph below.  

29 

 
 
3. Survey Feedback - Suggestions for Future Events 

The  participants  with  their  feedback  raised  several  issues  which  deserve  further  consideration  in 

future events. 

Some  participants felt they should have  been given the three  World  Café questions up front  to be 

able to better structure their discussion. The element of surprise (rather than of prepared discussion) 

is meant to stimulate open and free discussion which will bring about new and innovative ideas. It is 

however  suggested  that  in  future  events,  the  link  between  the  brainstorming  session  (world  café) 

and the thematically oriented discussion (open space) is made more evident. 

Some participants felt that the Open Space could have been more structured, in fact an open space 

relies  on the  concept  of  ‘self-organisation’  by  the  participants.  It  is  possible  that  participants  were 

not  used  to  this  type  of  format  and  therefore  need  some  time  to  adapt.  In  the  future  the  hosting 

team  could  provide  more  support  to  participants  who  find  it  more  difficult  to  enter  in  the  open 

discussion  and  guide  them  with  supporting  and/or  probing  questions.  To  encourage  a  better 

discussion,  several  questions  could  be  included  in  each  Open  Space  session  and  a  specific  room 

layout should be used for each session, to avoid the sense of overlap between the morning and the 

afternoon sessions. 

Some participants did not clearly identify the link between the keynote speech and the participatory 

collaboration  event.  For  future  events,  the  keynote  speaker  should  be  more  informed  about  the 

topics to be covered in the collaborative part to ensure a link between the two. 

4. Survey statistics 

1. How useful did you find the pre-meeting information? 

Not useful 

Quite useful 

Useful 

Very useful 

No opinion 

No Answer 

1 

3 

5 

4.76 % 

14.29 % 

23.81 % 

11 

52.38 % 

1 

0 

4.76 % 

0 % 

30 

 
 
 
 
2. Keynote Speech 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Did not attend 

No Answer 

Answers  Ratio 

3 

4 

14.29 % 

19.05 % 

12 

57.14 % 

2 

0 

9.52 % 

0 % 

3.1.  World  Café  -  Question  1:  Why  is  Jean  Monnet  important  in  supporting  European 
Values? 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Did not attend 

No Answer 

Answers  Ratio 

1 

3 

4.76 % 

14.29 % 

16 

76.19 % 

1 

0 

4.76 % 

0 % 

3.2. World Café - Question 2: How could you make Jean Monnet better known outside the 
academic world? 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Did not attend 

No Answer 

31 

Answers  Ratio 

1 

3 

4.76 % 

14.29 % 

16 

76.19 % 

1 

0 

4.76 % 

0 % 

 
 
 
 
 
 
3.3.  World  Café  -  question  3:  What  concrete  contributions  could  the  Jean  Monnet 
Community make? 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Did not attend 

No Answer 

4.1. Open Space: Topic 1 Policy 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Did not attend 

No Answer 

4.2 Open Space: Topic 2 Activities 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Did not attend 

No Answer 

32 

Answers  Ratio 

1 

3 

4.76 % 

14.29 % 

15 

71.43 % 

2 

0 

9.52 % 

0 % 

Answers  Ratio 

1 

3 

4.76 % 

14.29 % 

12 

57.14 % 

5 

0 

23.81 % 

0 % 

Answers  Ratio 

2 

4 

9 

6 

0 

9.52 % 

19.05 % 

42.86 % 

28.57 % 

0 % 

 
 
 
 
 
 
4.3 Open Space: Topic 3 Impact 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Did not attend 

No Answer 

4.4 Open Space: Topic 4 Community 

Did not fulfil my expectations  

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Did not attend 

No Answer 

 4.5 Open Space: other topic 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Did not attend 

No Answer 

33 

Answers  Ratio 

3 

3 

8 

7 

0 

14.29 % 

14.29 % 

38.1 % 

33.33 % 

0 % 

Answers  Ratio 

1 

2 

4.76 % 

9.52 % 

12 

57.14 % 

6 

0 

28.57 % 

0 % 

Answers  Ratio 

1 

1 

4.76 % 

4.76 % 

11 

52.38 % 

8 

0 

38.1 % 

0 % 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Practical organization 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Not relevant 

No Answer 

6. Themes of the different sessions 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Not relevant 

No Answer 

7. Format of the meeting 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Not relevant 

No Answer 

34 

Answers  Ratio 

0 

1 

0 % 

4.76 % 

19 

90.48 % 

1 

0 

4.76 % 

0 % 

Answers  Ratio 

0 

3 

0 % 

14.29 % 

18 

85.71 % 

0 

0 

0 % 

0 % 

Answers  Ratio 

0 

3 

0 % 

14.29 % 

18 

85.71 % 

0 

0 

0 % 

0 % 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8. Meeting rooms 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Not relevant 

No Answer 

9. Support from EACEA staff 

Did not fulfil my expectations 

Partially fulfilled 

Fulfilled 

No opinion / Not relevant 

No Answer 

10. What was your main reason for attending the Cluster Meeting?  

To speak to the Jean Monnet Team 

To network 

To learn more about the topics covered 

Other, please state: 

No 
Answer 

35 

Answers  Ratio 

1 

0 

4.76 % 

0 % 

20 

95.24 % 

0 

0 

0 % 

0 % 

Answers  Ratio 

0 

2 

0 % 

9.52 % 

18 

85.71 % 

1 

0 

1 

6 

6 

8 

0 

4.76 % 

0 % 

4.76 % 

28.57 % 

28.57 % 

38.1 % 

0 % 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11. Overall, how useful did you find the Cluster Meeting? 

Not useful 

Quite useful 

Useful 

Very useful 

No opinion 

No 
Answer 

12. What is your overall rating of the event? 

Not useful 

Quite useful 

Useful 

Very useful 

No opinion 

No 
Answer 

0 

3 

4 

0 % 

14.29 % 

19.05 % 

13 

61.9 % 

1 

0 

0 

2 

3 

4.76 % 

0 % 

0 % 

9.52 % 

14.29 % 

15 

71.43 % 

1 

0 

4.76 % 

0 % 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HOW TO OBTAIN EU PUBLICATIONS 

Free publications: 

•  one copy: 

via EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu); 

•  more than one copy or posters/maps: 

from the European Union’s representations (http://ec.europa.eu/represent_en.htm);
from the delegations in non-EU countries (http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/index_en.htm);
by contacting the Europe Direct service (http://europa.eu/europedirect/index_en.htm) or 
calling 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (freephone number from anywhere in the EU) (*). 

(*)  The information given is free, as are most calls (though some operators, phone boxes or hotels may charge you).

Priced publications: 

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Education, Audiovisual & Culture Executive Agency
Jean Monnet Activities

Write to us: 
Avenue du Bourget, 1 (BOU2 03/107) 
1049 Brussels 
Belgium 

Visit us:

Fax: +(32 2) 292 1326

Website:
http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-plus/actions/jean-monnet_en

e-mail:
EACEA-AJM@ec.europa.eu