The Erasmus program (“EuRopean Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students”) was established in 1987 as a student exchange program within the European Union (EU). Erasmus+, or Erasmus Plus, is the updated program that combines all existing EU programs in education, vocational training, youth, and sports. It was launched in January 2014.In 1989, the Erasmus bureau invited 32 former Erasmus students to an evaluation meeting in Ghent, Belgium. The lack of peer support was highlighted as a significant issue, which also became a driving force behind the creation of the Erasmus student network. This organization supports students through the Erasmus program and other bilateral agreements and collaborates with national agencies to assist foreign students.As of July 23, 2020, the Erasmus student network consists of 534 local associations (“sections”) in 42 countries, with over 15,000 volunteers across Europe. By 2014, 27 years after its inception, the program had facilitated the mobility of over 3.3 million students within the European community. The project involves more than 5,000 higher education institutions from 38 countries.

Jean Monnet Modules are essential for delivering innovative, engaging, and EU-specific content to audiences. They also help in disseminating and utilizing the results of organized educational and research activities beyond the immediate involvement of stakeholders. Jean Monnet Actions aim to promote teaching and research on the European Union. These actions are part of the Erasmus+ program and support teaching, training, research, and debates on various aspects of the EU.

Jean Monnet Centers of Excellence are proposed and hosted by higher education institutions and may involve collaboration between several faculties or departments, as well as other organizations specializing in EU research. They serve as centers of competence and knowledge on EU topics. They bring together the expertise and competencies of high-level experts, aiming to develop synergy between various disciplines and resources in European studies. They play a key role in reaching out to students from faculties that typically do not engage with EU issues, as well as to policymakers, civil society, and the general public. They also provide opportunities for experts to create joint transnational activities.