Qatar University awarded EU funding to teach EU law – The first Jean Monnet Module in the GCC
The Center for Law and Development (CLD) at the College of Law (LAWC), Qatar University has been awarded the European Union (EU) Jean Monnet Module funding to deliver courses on EU law to students and professionals in the State of Qatar. The “Doha Courses on European Union Law” will be the first Jean Monnet Module in Qatar and the GCC, and the courses will be delivered each year for 3 years. In a funding competition, the CLD won a competitive grant and was one of 360 awarded applications out of the 1447 eligible applications for funding in 2020.
The Module aims to create interest in the European Union and to constitute the basis for future poles of European knowledge and research in the State of Qatar. The Module will allow the CLD to deliver tailor-made courses on specific European Union law issues relevant for graduates in their professional life.
The aim of the Module is to promote research and teaching experience among young researchers, scholars and practitioners in EU issues. Further it seeks to foster the publication and dissemination of academic research in EU law, and to create interest in the EU amongst students in Qatar. This will help Qatar-based lawyers to develop skills and knowledge in EU law, so that local businesses and organizations are better equipped to trade with EU businesses and deal with EU institutions. The Modules seek to foster the introduction of an EU law angle and deliver tailor-made courses on specific EU issues relevant for graduates in their professional life. Not only with this help develop student skills, but will contribute to the University’s research ranking and raise the level of international exposure.
The Jean Monnet Module is part of the Erasmus+ Action Programme. The Module will deliver 40 teaching hours per academic year in European Union law, requiring the academic input of several professors and experts. This will produce local knowledge and expertise in EU law.
The Module components focus firstly on introduction to European Union’s legal history and institutions, and secondly on legal areas where the European Union plays a leading role. The Module aims to promote knowledge in the field of international organizations and integration using the European Union as a model, environmental protection and human rights, which are key pillars of QNV2030. The focus on the protection of the environment and human rights represents an important contribution towards promoting environmental and human rights issues in the Qatari society. Increasing education quality on the above issues will have important spill-overs on Qatari education and society. Finally there will be a Research Seminar on Conducting Research on European Union Law.
The Jean Monnet Module and its components will contribute to the strategic objectives of promoting the role of Qatar University as a source of expertise to serve the nation’s needs; strengthening local, regional, and international partnerships in strategic areas and be a catalyst development of Qatar. It also seeks to enhance Qatar’s innovation in collaboration with Qatar’s government, industry, and funding organizations.
The project will result in improved competencies in the law programs. Dr. Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Dean of the College of Law, told us: “This will allow better job placement of graduates and benefits for the national workforce and institutions, which will have a very positive impact on Qatari companies and institutions, thus contributing to knowledge based economy and the diversification of growth.” Several organizations in Qatar have departments dealing with European affairs. The participation of teaching personnel in the Module activities will improve capacities to develop and teach modern European Union law courses that exhibit European state-of-the-art standards.
Engagement of the civil society, academics, and policy-makers in Qatar and in GCC member states in a constructive dialogue focusing on the benefits of European integration with a particular emphasis on the promotion of a consistent and unified legal framework.
Further, follow-up projects will result from Jean Monnet Module. The CLD will apply for additional Erasmus+ grants in order to further promote the studies of European Union law in Qatar and in the region in general. Dr. Jon Truby, Director of the CLD said: “We are immensely pleased to be awarded the Jean Monnet Module. The Centre plans to apply in the future for a Jean Monnet Chair – which will be the first Chair of this kind in a GCC member state. Following this, we hope to apply to become a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence.”
Dr. Ioannis Konstantinidis, Assistant Professor of International LawLaw at the College of Law, said: “It will allow improved collaboration with stakeholders and knowledge on the European Union, since stakeholders will better appreciate the education in the targeted courses, thus benefiting future students. It will also foster collaboration between the CLD, the College of Law and Qatar University and the European Union and academic institutions in European Union member states.”
For more visit cld.qu.edu.qa or email legaltraining@qu.edu.qa