Dr. Magnús Skjöld delivers a speech at the kick-off event of the Jean Monnet Chair ISARCEUR project at Bifröst University.
January 16. 2026Jean Monnet Chair kick-off
On 15 January 2026, the kick-off event of the Jean Monnet Chair period was held at Bifröst University. The project, entitled Iceland’s Strategic Role in Arctic and European Security (ISARCEUR), marks the formal launch of a new three-year research and education initiative in the field of European studies.
The project is led by Dr. Magnús Árni Skjöld Magnússon, Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Bifröst University, and is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme.
The main objectives of the project are:
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To develop new undergraduate courses at Bifröst University focusing on European security and defence, Arctic affairs, and Iceland’s role in this context.
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To strengthen research on European security policy and emerging security threats in the Arctic and in relation to Iceland.
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To create a platform for strategic dialogue between academia, public authorities, the media, and the general public regarding Iceland’s future relations with its allies in Europe and beyond.
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To enhance cooperation with international partners, including embassies, research institutions, Jean Monnet networks, and European universities and scholars working on related issues.
At the beginning of the event, Professor Magnús Árni Skjöld introduced the project, followed by a short address by Dr. Margrét Njarðvík, Rector of Bifröst University. The programme concluded with a speech by Clara Ganslandt, Ambassador of the European Union to Iceland. The event provided an opportunity for networking and informal discussions.
Attendance was strong, reflecting a clear interest in increased cooperation and solidarity among neighbouring countries. In addition to academics and staff from Bifröst University, guests included ambassadors and representatives from the embassies of Sweden, Denmark, Greenland, Finland, France, Poland, and Canada in Iceland.
The project website is available in both Icelandic and English.
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