Institut Jean Monnet

Mission & Vision

Jean Monnet is a founding father of the European Union whose legacy continues to guide and inspire European leaders, citizens and institutions of our time. As the architect of the first European community after WWII, and a tireless promoter of ever closer European integration, Jean Monnet dedicated his life to achieving peace and unity in Europe by organising collective action. He was also a relentless advocate of strong transatlantic partnership as he believed that Europe and the United States should work together to advance democratic values in the world.

Monnet forged close links with the United States over decades of collaboration with several US administrations and is one of only three foreign recipients of the Medal of Freedom with Distinction; President Kennedy called him the ‘statesman of the world’ and Henry Kissinger, a honorary member of the Institut Jean Monnet, said that few men had played such a role in the history of the world.

The nonprofit organization Institut Jean Monnet aims to build on this unique legacy to promote peace, unity and ever-closer European integration and transatlantic dialogue. It works on educating younger generations about the true nature of the European project as a values-driven mission for peace and prosperity, and aims to demonstrate the vital necessity of unity and solidarity in the face of common challenges and geopolitical threats. Institut Jean Monnet continuously proposes new ways to advance European unity which consider the realities of today while building on the founding fathers’ legacy.

Maintaining a close dialogue and mutual understanding between the US and the EU is crucial to finding common solutions to common challenges, which is why this objective is central to Institut Jean Monnet’s mission.

Actions Led

Led by distinguished experts in European affairs and transatlantic relations, Institut Jean Monnet (IJM) operates under the guidance of its international board of directors and is advised by a Scientific Advisory Council that ensures that their initiatives are steered by the latest academic findings and research. The co-founder and chairman of the Board is one of Jean Monnet’s four grandchildren. The Board is composed of experts and leaders committed to European unity and deeply aligned with Jean Monnet’s vision and method. The IJMcollaborates closely with academic institutions, cultural organizations, government bodies and European institutions to implement a wide range of programs and activities.

Their activities are primarily focused on:

1. Educating the public and European youth about the origins of the European project as a project of unity and peacet. As war is once again at the doorsteps of the European Union, Institut Jean Monnet believes that understanding and preserving this heritage is vital today.
2. Suggesting ways and methods to leverage the lessons of European Founding Fathers to advance European unity today.
3. Supporting constant dialogue and mutual understanding between EU-US transatlantic partners as the joint custodians of shared democratic values.

Projects that US Donors Can Support

By making tax-deductible donations through Friends of Fondation de France, American donors can support projects which include:

• Creating and promoting books, films, and other media that explain the vision and initiatives for European and transatlantic cooperation inspired by Jean Monnet.
• Programs for younger generations to help them engage with the European Union and understand the critical importance of the US-EU partnership.
• Round tables, seminars, and conferences that discuss the “European project,” the vision of peace and unity pioneered by Jean Monnet, and how his vision and philosophy of action can guide us today.

Your contributions will help us continue the work of fostering understanding and cooperation between Europe and the United States, ensuring that Jean Monnet’s legacy lives on for future generations. By supporting these initiatives, you become a part of a global effort to promote peace, unity, and collaboration across borders. Together, we can build a more informed and interconnected world, rooted in the values that Jean Monnet championed.