The Jean Monnet Chair in “The European Union’s ‘Strategic Autonomy’ and Its Implications for EU-China Relations” at the FSS, University of Macau

Key points:

  • To create a hub in Macao for EU studies in the field of and from the perspective of political science, broadly defined, including international relations, politics, and public policy;
  • To enhance excellence in teaching and research in EU studies at the University by strengthening the EU-related curricular and extra-curricular activities and by encouraging more PhD students and young academics of the University and beyond to take on research topics in EU studies;
  • To inform various social groups of Macao, particularly, policymakers and civil society, of new developments in the EU and foster serious reflections on policy implications for Macao and China;
  • To develop existing and new teaching and debating activities, including new methodologies, tools and technologies.

Objectives, activities, main outputs, outcomes and impact:

  • The JM Chair at FSS aims to create a hub of EU studies in the field of political science and furthermore enhance excellence in teaching and research in the field and promote visibility and policy reflections on the EU. The proposed action will input the “The European Union’s ‘Strategic Autonomy’ and Its Implications for EU-China Relations” perspective into the existing courses and outclass learnings and policy discussions. Strategic autonomy not only serves as the arena where the EU has striven to contribute as an increasingly important player, but also as the analytical lens through which we can look into the evolving EU’s status in the global system. To this end, a number of activities are planned, including EU-related courses available on official curricula, Macao Talks/Seminars, Macao Roundtable Discussions, and scholarly workshop.
  • This action would thus establish and consolidate a clear signpost of European Union studies at the University of Macau, by continuing the academic tradition in the academic area and promoting academic credentials to the chair holder. It is expected to bring positive and long-lasting effects to the students and academics involved for their enhanced knowledge and understanding of the EU and for their future careers and academic interest in the EU-related areas. It is also expected to bring lasting outcomes to the university, with increased capacity to teach and research on EU matters and more committed and professional environment for the EU studies, particularly, to build its reputation in the field and ensure committed support by the top management of the university.