- Europe
- News Desk
- Source: European Commission https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/el/speech_26_2227
European Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas delivered a keynote address at the Jean Monnet Excellence Centre, praising the network's contribution to European integration and youth engagement, according to a statement published by the European Commission. The centre, established in 2000, has for 25 years promoted the teaching of European studies and the values of the European Union, the commissioner said in his remarks.
Key facts
What did the commissioner say about the centre's role?
- European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas delivered the keynote speech at the Jean Monnet Excellence Centre.
- The centre was founded in 2000 and has operated for 25 years, focusing on European studies and EU values.
- The speech highlighted the role of young people in shaping the European project.
- The Jean Monnet programme supports academic teaching and research on European integration.
According to the Commission statement, Tzitzikostas described the centre as a bridge between academic research and the everyday concerns of European citizens. He stressed that the Jean Monnet initiative has helped thousands of students and researchers engage with the institutions and policies of the European Union over the past quarter-century.
The commissioner noted that the centre's work has been instrumental in fostering a sense of shared European identity among younger generations. He said the programme's emphasis on education and dialogue had made a lasting contribution to the broader project of European integration. Why does youth engagement matter for the EU?
Tzitzikostas used the occasion to underline the importance of involving young Europeans in the debate about the continent's future. He argued that the energy and ideas of students and researchers are essential to addressing the challenges facing the European Union, from economic competitiveness to social cohesion.
The commissioner's remarks reflect a broader push by the European Commission to strengthen ties with academic institutions and civil society. The Jean Monnet programme, named after the French diplomat regarded as a founding father of European integration, funds teaching posts, research activities and policy debate across member states. What is the Jean Monnet programme?
The Jean Monnet programme was established to promote excellence in teaching and research on European integration at universities in Europe and beyond. It supports academic chairs, modules, centres of excellence and networks of scholars, and has grown into one of the EU's most visible instruments for fostering knowledge about the union.
Excellence Centres under the programme bring together academics, students and policymakers to debate EU affairs. The Commission statement said the centre's activities have helped raise awareness of EU policies and values among a wide audience. What happens next?
The Commission said it would continue to support the Jean Monnet network as part of its wider commitment to education and citizen engagement. Further details of upcoming programme activities were not specified in the statement.
Source: European Commission
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