ValEUs Project

A comprehensive research initiative, led by the European University Viadrina, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, aims to address the current challenges facing the European Union (EU) and explore potential counter-strategies. The project, titled "ValEUs. Research & Education Network on Contestations to EU Foreign Policy," has secured 1.2 million euros in funding from the EU Commission as part of a Jean Monnet Policy Network (JMPN) for a three-year period starting from January 2024. This ambitious venture, involving 20 partner institutions from 17 countries across five continents, focuses on scrutinizing the foreign policy of the European Union and the challenges posed to its values. Professor Dr. Timm Beichelt, Viadrina Professor of European Studies and principal investigator of the network, emphasizes the need to examine whether the EU adheres to the values it prescribes for itself and others. Issues such as migration, asylum policy, and the enlargement process are highlighted as potential areas of systematic deviation from established normative standards. The "ValEUs" network plans to undertake joint interdisciplinary research projects, engage in teaching formats, and facilitate collegial exchange through conferences, summer schools, and a large-scale online course. Additionally, the consortium aims to initiate social debates and develop recommendations for both political actors and civil society. The European Union, committed to upholding values such as human dignity, freedom, equality, and solidarity, faces unprecedented challenges in implementing its foreign policy mission globally. ---------------- Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.