A Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence at the Institute for European Studies (IEE-ULB)


About the Project

BoundEUries is a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence hosted by the Institute for European Studies (IEE) at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB). The project explores how the European Union (EU) defines and redefines its boundaries and communities through political narratives and policy instruments. It addresses the EU’s evolving role in governing cross-border issues such as migration, digital transformation, international conflict, and identity politics.
By combining cutting-edge research, innovative teaching, and public engagement, BoundEUries aims to foster a deeper understanding of the EU’s internal and external dynamics in a time of geopolitical uncertainty and societal transformation.


Academic Coordination

The project is co-led by Prof. François Foret and Assoc. Prof. Julien Jeandesboz, both based at the IEE-ULB.
- François Foret is Professor of Political Science and President of the IEE. His research focuses on the symbolic and institutional dimensions of European integration, with a particular interest in the role of narratives, values, and identity in EU politics.
- Julien Jeandesboz is Associate Professor of Political Science and an expert in EU external action, security, and border governance. Together, they bring complementary expertise in political theory, EU governance, and interdisciplinary methodologies, ensuring the intellectual coherence and strategic direction of BoundEUries.
 

Objectives

BoundEUries responds to three interconnected needs:
  • Scientific: advancing interdisciplinary research on EU boundary/community-making.
  • Educational: innovating teaching methods and integrating research into curricula.
  • Societal: engaging with policymakers, civil society, media, and the public to co-create knowledge and foster democratic dialogue.

Key Themes

  • Borderless Issues: mobility, digital governance, and international conflict.
  • European Arenas: the European Parliament, EU media landscapes, and symbolic narratives.
  • Policy and Narrative Interplay: how instruments and stories shape EU identity and legitimacy.

Activities

  • Guest Lectures & Seminars: Featuring leading scholars and practitioners, including keynote events with François Schimmelfennig (ETH Zurich), J. Jordana (IBEI), and Armin von Bogdandy (Max Planck Institute).
  • Student-Led Training: Hands-on projects like ResEURch (rule of law), JournalEUR (media literacy), and TheatEUR (artistic co-creation).
  • Curriculum Innovation: Integration of boundary/community themes into BA, MA, and doctoral programmes.
  • Public Engagement: Collaborations with journalists, artists, and media partners to reach diverse audiences through podcasts, blogs, theatre, and social media.

Partners & Networks

BoundEUries brings together a prestigious network of academic and societal partners, including:

  • European University Institute (EUI)
  • University of Cambridge
  • Waseda University
  • Sciences Po Paris
  • CIVIS University Alliance
  • Europe MediaLab, Le Soir, and Eyes on Europe

Impact & Legacy

BoundEUries aims to:

  • Strengthen the IEE’s role as a hub for interdisciplinary EU studies.
  • Empower students with academic, professional, and soft skills.
  • Inform EU policymaking through research-based insights.
  • Foster a more inclusive and informed European public sphere.
The project’s legacy will be sustained through publications (including an edited volume and bilingual textbooks), curriculum development, and ongoing collaborations with European and international partners.