European Union Centre of Excellence

In times demanding transformative responses to the global challenges of climate change, increasing inequality, and political disorder, the Jean Monnet EU Centre of Excellence at RMIT seeks to reinforce and promote Australia and the EU's roles as global actors, and to identify and support opportunities for collaboration and partnerships amongst governments, communities, universities and industry. 

Building such alliances has taken on greater urgency with the uncertainty arising from trade wars and diminished respect for the established conventions for undertaking international relations. International and regional conflicts threaten the future of the planet in ways that will take decades to unravel. Hope for the future depends on strengthened collaboration amongst governmental and civic partners who are determined to promote the United Nations Global Agenda to 2030. 

In this context, the EU Centre provides a focal point for teaching, research and outreach activities with the EU, Australia and the Asia Pacific region. It has an interdisciplinary research focus, and can mobilise expertise across the fields of European studies, urban and regional policy, international relations, environmental policy, innovation, and trade. The EU Centre has close links with the EU and its representatives in Australia, and facilitates the dissemination of information and knowledge about Europe through its academic research, partnerships, and program of public activities. 

The EU Centre is located at RMIT University's City campus, and is part of the Social Equity Research Centre in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies. Its research program includes a clear focus on local and global relations, urban and regional development, trade and support for action to implement the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The Centre works in partnership with colleagues across RMIT and with RMIT Europe, and supports RMIT staff and students who wish to connect with the EU. For more information on such opportunities, please contact us. 

Originally funded through a grant from the External Relations Directorate of the European Commission, the EU Centre of Excellence is now funded through Jean Monnet Awards, which promote excellence in teaching and research in the field of European Union studies worldwide, and other European and Australian programs.