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The UMH Jean Monnet Chair Strengthening the European Union by reinforcing its values ​​(ReinforcEU), Ref. 101085550, held by Prof. Dra. ELENA CRESPO NAVARRO, has as its MAIN OBJECTIVE to promote, consolidate and reinforce from the University Miguel Hernández the activities to promote knowledge, reflection, debate and research about the European Union as an international organization for regional integration with broad competences that are projected on very different sectors, paying special attention to the enormous importance of consolidating and reinforcing the values ​​on which it is based.

Values ​​such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including those of persons belonging to minorities, which are common to Member States in a society characterized by pluralism, non- discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between men and women (Art. 2 Treaty of the European Union).

There is no doubt about the importance for the European Union of the preservation, development and strengthening of these values,
both ad intra (in the Member States) and ad extra (in its relations with third States), insofar as they are essential to ensure the proper functioning of the European Union itself as such and the well-being of its citizens, but also peaceful coexistence not only in Europe, but also in the rest of the world.

At the global level, it is essential for the European Union to strengthen its leadership and play a more active role in defending multilateralism and cooperation based on respect for International Law. In this sense, the Union must act as a leading international actor in a globalized world, not only as a trading power but also as a political power, striving not to renounce the defense of democratic values as the most appropriate way to promote international prosperity, peace and security.

From the JM Chair we encourage research activities and reflection on these topics and scientific debate among academics and professionals from different countries. At the same time, we offer quality specialized learning training aimed at students of all levels (Bachelor, Master and PhD) and we seek to involve the rest of society, promoting the active role of citizens on strengthening the values ​​of the Union.

At this moment, such values ​​are threatened on several fronts. The advance of populism throughout Europe and the increasingly frequent disinformation campaigns pose serious risks to the values ​​that democratic systems must be able to face. Under these conditions, the active involvement of citizens in caring for and defending democratic values is particularly necessary. An involvement that must be based on tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.

From the Jean Monnet UMH Chair we try to offer citizens a greater knowledge, not only about the European Union, but especially about their rights and freedoms in the European Union and about the mechanisms available for their full exercise and active participation in the democratic life of the Union, defining its future development and maintaining and strengthening its values.