Jean Monnet Chair

Democratic and Effective Governance (DEG)

The DEG is the Jean Monnet Chair at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, succeeding the former Chair IMUDE – Interactive Multilevel Democracy. While IMUDE focused primarily on participatory governance, DEG shifts the emphasis towards the effective delivery of EU policies in times of growing contestation, dissent, and anti-EU sentiment.

DEG explores how the European Union can implement key policies — particularly in the digital and green transformation — while safeguarding democratic principles. The Chair combines academic excellence in teaching and research with active dialogue between universities, public administrations, policymakers, and civil society.

A special focus lies on early career researchers in EU studies from across Europe. Through innovative teaching formats, applied and basic research projects, and interactive dissemination events, DEG promotes cross-boundary collaboration — connecting academic and practical perspectives, bridging disciplines, and fostering multinational cooperation.

By building on the successful methodology of IMUDE and expanding it with concrete targets, team-based collaboration, and new institutional and international partnerships, DEG aims to create a sustainable impact on both academic and policy debates about the EU’s future governance.

The Jean Monnet Chair in Democratic and Effective Governance in Europe is funded by the EU and the ERASMUS+ programme, runs from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028, and is led by Professor Dr. Eva Heidbreder.