Centre for European Research in Maastricht

The Centre for European Research in Maastricht (CERiM) is a distinguished Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence at Maastricht University, dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research on EU policies and politics, and the broader European integration process. It serves as a vibrant hub that brings together scholars from the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences and Law, whose research focuses on the European Union's most pressing challenges by investigating how legal, political, and economic developments shape its trajectory. CERiM's scholars analyse issues such as member state compliance, EU reform, and constitutional developments. The centre's research spans the EU's response to crises, including economic resilience, energy transitions, and geopolitical shifts linked to Russia's war against Ukraine or EU enlargement.

Interdisciplinary research is central to CERiM's mission, combining legal, political, and economic perspectives to produce nuanced insights into research areas such as democratic stability, populism, and EU integration. Additionally, CERiM examines the EU’s international positioning, exploring fiscal policies that drive sustainable growth, green transition strategies, and interactions with the United States, Russia, and China. CERiM’s work also addresses human rights and democratic freedoms, paying special attention to the shrinking civic space in certain member states and the EU’s role in upholding its core values.

CERiM actively promotes collaboration by supporting members in securing external funding and organising international workshops and conferences. The centre closely collaborates with Studio Europa and Maastricht University's Brussels Hub, frequently partnering in international research projects, including Commission-funded initiatives such as the RELAY, and CHANCE projects. These projects feature leading experts from academia and practice, facilitating robust intellectual exchange.

The centre is committed to enhancing the academic impact of its research through outreach activities that engage stakeholders. This includes producing policy briefs and fostering public discussions on EU-related topics, which bridge the gap between academic inquiry and real-world policymaking. By doing so, CERiM underscores its mission to foster interdisciplinary research and deepen the understanding of Europe's role in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

For more information, please also visit: https://cerimmaastrichtuniversity.org and https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/emergeu.