Within the new Lifelong Learning Programme, the first key activity of the Jean Monnet Programme brings together the two instruments formerly known as the Jean Monnet Action and the Support for Study and Research Centres. The actions supported under this key activity aim to stimulate excellence in teaching, research, reflection and debate in European integration studies in higher education institutions within and outside the Community.
European Integration studies involves the study of the origins and evolution of the European Communities and the European Union in all its aspects. European integration studies cover the analysis of both the internal and external dimension of European integration, including the European Union's role in the dialogue between peoples and cultures. Comparative studies concerning national practices are not regarded as European integration studies.
The types of actions connected with the objectives of the key activity are Jean Monnet Chairs, Centres of Excellence and Teaching Modules, focusing on teaching activities and support for Associations of Professors and Researchers, for Information and Research Activities relating to European integration and for Multilateral Research Groups. The teaching activities target social science disciplines where European Union developments are an increasingly important part of the subject studied, i.e. European Union law, European economic integration, European political integration and the history of the European construction process.  The information and research activities and the activities of the associations of professors and researchers and of the multilateral research groups target specific priority themes relating to topical EU issues. The Jean Monnet Programme is now present in 60 countries throughout the world and more than 900 universities offer Jean Monnet courses as part of their curricula. The Jean Monnet Programme brings together a network of around 1,800 professors, reaching audiences of 250,000 students every year.

More informations: EUROPA - Education and Training - Jean Monnet Action