University Business Academy: Embracing EU Values through Jean Monnet Modules

Press conference marking the unveiling of the plaque and certificate awarding

At the University of Business Academy in Novi Sad, the Jean Monnet module entitled "European sustainable values in Environmental and Agricultural policy (EUVALUESEAP)" is being successfully implemented. The project is funded under the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, and on 13 May 2026 a new plaque of the project was officially unveiled.

Jean Monnet activities in Serbia, focused on excellence in teaching and research within the European Union, are part of the Erasmus+ programme, which supports universities in developing modules on European integration. The Jean Monnet module entitled "European sustainable values in Environmental and Agricultural policy (EUVALUESEAP)" was awarded to the University of Business Academy in Novi Sad in November 2024. This is a three-year project that includes the implementation of teaching and research activities related to the respect of EU values in specific areas of digital transformation. This programme is a continuation of previous Jean Monnet modules implemented at the University of Business Academy in the periods 2015–2018; 2020–2023; 2021–2024; and the currently ongoing module (2024–2027), which will conclude next year.

The aim of this and previous modules is to promote and deepen understanding of European Union values in the context of digital transformation, and to contribute to the Republic of Serbia’s EU accession process. The continuity of the project team’s work within various Jean Monnet modules demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting high standards in teaching and research in the field of European Union studies, as a result of the successful internationalization process of the University of Business Academy.

Speaking about the project, Prof. Dr Jelena Vapa, Full professor, project leader and Vice Dean for Cooperation with the Business entities, explained:

„Over the course of three years, we are implementing six free specialist courses, which have been attended by a total of 120 students; we have also organized debates with 30 student participants, who have learned and applied critical understanding of European values in their work. The Jean Monnet module entitled "European sustainable values in Environmental and Agricultural policy (EUVALUESEAP)" is focused on environmental protection and agriculture. Students had the opportunity to become familiar with the latest measures, mechanisms, and methods in the field of sustainable development and responsible resource management. We also organized professional training and plan to invite a beekeeping association, so that through interactive knowledge exchange we can complement and transfer experiences of good European practices in beekeeping production. Within the project, a publication presenting the results of scientific research work has also been produced. Through these interconnected and practically applicable activities, students can enhance their knowledge by understanding the most modern European policies, as environmental protection and agriculture are key areas in the EU and extremely important for our country’s European integration process. The courses are also dedicated to rural development, primarily to young people living in rural areas, aiming to improve the quality of life in those regions. The project is multidisciplinary in nature, combining available knowledge and applying it to students of economics, agribusiness, ecology, and law, with the aim of further improving the teaching and scientific process at the University Business Academy.“

Prof. Dr Dragan Soleša, Vice President of the University, is convinced that Jean Monnet modules are of great importance both for teachers and, even more so, for students.

„This is a major project with strong momentum, and we are proud that, as a relatively small university in a global context, and one of the first private universities in Serbia, we have had the pleasure of executing the Jean Monnet project for the fourth time, funded by the EU“, said Dr Soleša, adding:

„If we set aside the financial benefit of the project, the primary focus is the education of young people and their training to become familiar with EU policies and values, and to become promoters of EU values implemented at universities across the EU, which are available to our students at our University. Professors of the University of Business Academy are trained, in accordance with EU programmes, to educate young people who receive certificates, fully prepared to spread their mission in the real sector, economy, and education. This is undoubtedly a great benefit for the state as well, as tomorrow, as key negotiators of the Republic of Serbia, they will be able to state that we have fulfilled all conditions within a crucial segment regarding environmental protection, agribusiness, and agriculture. In this case, the University of Business Academy is a step ahead of the state’s negotiation policy itself, which we demonstrate through actions, not only words.“

On this occasion, Prof. Dr Dragan Soleša and Prof. Dr Jelena Vapa awarded certificates to students participating in the project for successfully completing the Course 2, “Environmental Protection Policy in the European Union.”