„Dear speakers of the Parliament, dear Rector, Jean Monnet students, ladies and gentlemen, let me first of all, congratulate the European University for their participation in the Jean Monnet actions and for the success of your project proposals. As you know, Jean Monnet is a special action under Erasmus Plus aimed at promoting EU values and excellence in teaching and research in the field of EU studies. 

In the last five years, Georgia has benefited from no less than 24 Jean Monnet projects, modules, chairs and networks. This is indeed quite impressive and my congratulations goes out to all the universities and NGOs involved in this success. It is particularly impressive that the European University, a relative newcomer to this programme, was granted two Jean Monnet awards on their first attempt, both for a module on Europeanisation as an instrument for democratisation of Georgia and a project called Advancing European Values and Standards in Georgian schools. 

The topics you have chosen are indeed extremely relevant, linking European values and Europeanisation to the democratisation process in this country. The EU-Georgia relationship is very strong, but as it keeps developing, we also need to raise more awareness about the EU and about our values. Jean Monnet actions are excellent instruments for this as they cover not only universities but also schools and provide a platform not only for teaching and research, but also for awareness raising among the general public. 

With these words, let me wish you a very successful implementation of current and future Jean Monnet initiatives. Didi madloba!“, – His Excellency, Carl Hartzell stated in his virtual address.