Project name: EU-BEGIN – EU-Begin: Introduction to the EU Politics, Norms and Values
Project call code: ERASMUS-JMO-2024-HEI-TCH-RSCH
Project number: 101176283
Project duration: 36 Months
Supporting organisations: European Union and Kilis 7 Aralık University
Project summary: The EU-BEGIN project, is aimed at enhancing students' knowledge of European Union values and fostering local applications of EU principles. The project will provide an innovative, interactive curriculum that addresses the unique challenges of the Kilis region, from migration to disaster resilience, while promoting EU-Turkey dialogue and cross-cultural competence within the academic environment. The EU-BEGIN module, hosted at Kilis 7 Aralık University (KIYU), aims to enrich students' understanding of the European Union's (EU) political structures, norms, and values with a focus on addressing the unique socio-political challenges of the Kilis region. Leveraging the strategic location of KIYU near the Syrian-Turkish border, this module is designed to foster critical engagement with EU principles as set out in core treaties such as the Treaty on European Union and the Lisbon Treaty. Through an interactive curriculum that combines theory, practical assignments, and fieldwork visits, EU-BEGIN seeks to empower students to apply EU principles in addressing local challenges, including migration, disaster response, and cross-cultural integration.
The project will deliver three workshops on themes such as EU-Turkey relations, multiculturalism, and youth perspectives on EU integration, inviting students and local stakeholders to participate in these dialogues. Furthermore, three collaborative research papers will be produced, covering pressing regional issues such as migration, citizenship, and identity. The EU-BEGIN module is also committed to advancing inclusive educational practices and promoting cross-cultural competence, aiming to inspire a generation of informed citizens who can contribute meaningfully to regional and international dialogues on EU values.
Ultimately, EU-BEGIN aspires to leave a lasting impact on KIYU’s curriculum, embedding EU-related content and fostering a multicultural academic environment. The project is designed to serve as a sustainable model within KIYU and to provide valuable insights into how EU principles can be practically adapted to local contexts, thus laying the groundwork for broader EU engagement within southeastern Turkey.
