European Union for Laos

forthcoming

Laos, as an emerging economy in Southeast Asia and a member of ASEAN, is increasingly engaging with the European Union in areas such as trade, sustainability, governance, and digitalization. Despite this growing relationship, European Studies remain largely absent from higher education curricula in Laos, limiting academic and policy discussions on EU integration, governance, and international cooperation. Champasak University, located in the rapidly developing southern region of Laos, aims to bridge this knowledge gap by establishing structured European Studies programs to enhance understanding of EU policies and their relevance to Laos and ASEAN. The EU4Laos Jean Monnet Module is designed to introduce European Studies into Champasak University’s curriculum, making it the first initiative of its kind in Laos. The project aims to provide structured interdisciplinary education on EU governance, law, trade, sustainability, and digital transformation. It aligns with the objectives of Jean Monnet Actions by promoting European integration studies in a new geographical area, fostering interdisciplinary learning, and strengthening EU visibility in Laos. Additionally, EU4Laos supports Champasak University’s vision of becoming a regional hub for European Studies in Southeast Asia. Over three years, the project will deliver nine interdisciplinary courses, train at least 150 students, establish a research group on EU Studies, and produce three academic publications. Annual conferences and outreach events will engage policymakers, businesses, and civil society, fostering dialogue on EU-Laos relations. By introducing European Studies in Laos, EU4Laos lays the foundation for future Jean Monnet initiatives, contributing to long-term academic and policy engagement between Laos and the EU.