Launched in 2010 by the Jean Monnet Chairs of the Faculty of Law, University of Rijeka and the Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, the Centre acts as an interdisciplinary forum for the promotion of research and teaching in European integration studies. In the period from 2010 to 2013 the activities of the Centre have been supported by the Lifelong Learning Programme – Jean Monnet Activity of the European Commission. The Centre continuously operates as a constituent unit of the University of Rijeka.
The Jean Monnet Inter-University Centre of Excellence Opatija aims to:
- offer high level multidisciplinary education at graduate and postgraduate level;
- create a focal point for researchers pursuing cutting edge research in area of European studies;
- provide for lifelong learning for judges, other legal professionals and public servants in general;
- create higher education opportunities for students and professionals from Southeast Europe;
- develop documentary resources in order to facilitate research and higher education in field of European studies.
In order to achieve the above mentioned objectives, the Centre is committed to organizing seminars and conferences, professional training activities, developing graduate and postgraduate degree programs and pursuing multidisciplinary research in the field of European studies. The City of Opatija is supporting all of the activities in the Centre by providing conference facilities and office space.