Central European University launches Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence on EU Eastern Enlargement

The Democratic Institute at the Central European University (CEU) has launched a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence to examine how the enlargement of the EU to take in new members affects democratic stability, with a particular focus on Ukraine.

The CEU Democracy Institute, a research institute dedicated to strengthening democratic and open societies based in Budapest, launched the EU Eastern Enlargement Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence (ENTENTE) on 12/02/2026.

ENTENTE brings together the European University Institute (EUI), the Kyiv School of Economics and the CEU Democracy Institute to connect academic research with policymaking. It will develop a framework to assess how EU enlargement affects democratic stability, particularly in Ukraine, while addressing challenges such as democratic backsliding through research, training and policy dialogue.

To support Ukraine’s EU accession, ENTENTE will provide targeted training for policymakers and civil society, promote evidence-based policymaking and link EU financial support to sustainable democratic reforms. By integrating research…