The Jean Monnet-Esade Chair

The holder of the Chair is Professor José M. de Areilza. He has taught and researched on EU affairs since 1994 and has been a Visiting Professor in ten different universities in Europe and the USA.

Areilza received a Doctorate in Law (S.J.D.) from Harvard University and has served as European advisor to the Spanish Prime Minister and as Advisor to the Spanish Government Representative in the European Convention on the Future of Europe. He writes a weekly article on European affais in Spanish newspapers and has been awarded the Antonio Fontán Prize in Political Journalism and the Aquí Europa-Vocento Prize in European Journalism. Since 2012, he is the Secretary General of Aspen Institute España. Between 2017-2022 he was the Co-Chair of the British Spanish-Tertulias, the leading civil society forum between the United Kingdom and Spain. He is Academy Adjunct at Chatham House, London, Member of the European Council on Foreign Relations and Senior Research Fellow at Elcano Royal Institute. He has published extensively on European Union Law, EU institutions and Spanish foreign policy.

The reform of Economic and Monetary Union. The design of a Political Union.

Rethinking allocation of powers between the EU and Member States.

The re-set of transatlantic relations.

Spain in the European Union.

Michael Link, German Minister of European Affairs, explained how "European integration is crucial to solving each country's problems". Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, Spanish Minister for European Affairs, called for a struggle against citizen scepticism, the elimination of German stereotypes and a commitment to the European project:

“Problems are not solved if you approach them from just one perspective. We need to foster competition among member states, simplify the law and focus on areas that are key to achieving European integration," declared Michael Link, German Minister of European Affairs, during the inauguration of the new Jean Monnet Chair at Esade.

The German Minister for European Affairs, expressed a similar sentiment by calling for a struggle against citizen scepticism, the elimination of German stereotypes and a commitment to the European project.

Both speakers stressed the importance of meeting the each eurozone country’s needs and of understanding that not all countries can meet deficit targets at the same time. “Solidarity is not always about money," declared Mr. Méndez de Vigo, “It’s about understanding that you have to properly dose your medicines."

Michael Link The Jean Monnet-Esade Chair

Moving in the right direction

During the inauguration of the new Jean Monnet Chair at Esade Law School, both leaders reminded the audience of the European Union’s progress in strengthening the common currency. Mr. Link expressed optimism about the economic unification process and advised the audience not to “discredit what we’ve already achieved". He added: “Let’s not forget that reform policies are very difficult but necessary along the path towards unification."
Mr. Méndez de Vigo was optimistic regarding the current crisis: “Things are going to get better. Now is when we are going to see the fruits of this process."

José M. de Areilza, Professor at Esade and holder of the new Jean Monnet Chair, underscored the importance of EU law in the context of European integration, not only as an instrument but also as a legal system inspired by substantive values. He called for a higher-quality debate on European affairs and the politicization of decision-making in Brussels in order to combat Euro-scepticism and populism.

The Jean Monnet Chair at Esade

To collaborate with the Chair or request information about its activities, write to: catedrajeanmonnet@esade.edu

The Jean Monnet-Esade Chair