European Union and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi celebrate the First Jean Monnet Chair in the Gulf

United Arab Emirates- Abu Dhabi, 25 November - The Delegation of the European Union to the United Arab Emirates and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) proudly announce the establishment of Bridging Horizons Jean Monnet Chair, marking the first such Chair in the Gulf region.

Funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Programme, the Jean Monnet Chair recognises leading scholars who excel in teaching and research on European integration. By awarding this Chair to Dr Julia Motte-Baumvol, Associate Professor at SUAD, the European Union acknowledges both the excellence of her work and the importance of developing a long-term academic bridge between Europe and the UAE. The Bridging Horizons Chair aims to deepen understanding of the European Union's policies and institutions while fostering scholarly and policy dialogue on EU-UAE relations, particularly in the fields of trade, innovation, sustainability, diplomacy and intercultural dialogue.

Speaking at the announcement ceremony, H.E. Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the United Arab Emirates, said:

'The establishment of the first Jean Monnet Chair in the UAE reflects the growing depth of the EU-UAE partnership in education, research and dialogue. It brings the European Union's academic and intellectual tradition closer to the region and opens new avenues for cooperation on shared priorities such as innovation, sustainability and global understanding. This is a remarkable achievement for Dr Julia Motte-Baumvol and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and I look forward to seeing more UAE universities hosting Jean Monnet Chairs in the future.'

Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, added:

'Welcoming the Bridging Horizons Jean Monnet Chair is an honour that reflects our vision to advance knowledge, nurture intellectual leadership and strengthen global dialogue through active collaboration between stakeholders and policymakers. This partnership with the European Union further reinforces Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi's role as a leading intellectual and cultural bridge between the UAE and Europe — a platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and deeper mutual understanding that will continue to influence our shared sustainable objectives for the future.'

Commenting on her new role as Jean Monnet Chair, Dr Julia Motte-Baumvol, said: 'I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the Jean Monnet Chair, whose strength lies in the exceptional team of colleagues, EU representatives, and international partners working together to deepen understanding of EU and EU–UAE relations, foster critical dialogue, and build lasting bridges at a time when science and academic cooperation are more essential than ever.'

Over the next three years, the Chair will advance research, deliver public lectures, and lead outreach initiatives that bring academia into conversation with policymakers, students, and the wider community—playing a vital role in expanding EU Studies in the UAE and generating new insights into the evolving relationship between Europe and the Arab world.

This prestigious recognition is named after Jean Monnet, a French politician and economic adviser who was the unifying force behind the birth of the European Union. He was a lifelong supporter of European integration, whose ideas inspired the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the first step towards the European Union. The Jean Monnet Actions promote teaching and research on EU-related topics worldwide.