Jean Monnet Chair - ISARCEUR
Iceland’s position in Arctic and European security
Bifröst University has been awarded a Jean Monnet Chair grant focusing on Iceland’s position in Arctic and European security. The project is entitled Iceland’s Strategic Role in Arctic and European Security (abbreviated ISARCEUR) and is based on Iceland’s unique position as a non-EU state that is nevertheless deeply integrated into European cooperation through membership of the EEA Agreement, the Schengen Area and NATO.
In light of the changing security environment in the Arctic — not least as a result of the war in Ukraine, intensified great-power competition for influence in the region, complex and multi-layered threats, and developments in energy security and climate policy — Iceland’s importance for the security of Europe has increased significantly. At the same time, debate has once again emerged regarding Iceland’s future relationship with the European Union, as the current government has declared its intention to hold a referendum on resuming accession negotiations no later than 2027.
The project aims to strengthen and deepen academic and strategic dialogue on Iceland’s role in European security affairs and on the development of the EU’s Arctic policy. Through new courses, research activities and public debate on European cooperation and security-building, the project seeks to build a bridge between scholarship, policymaking and public discourse. The project is led by Dr Magnús Árni Skjöld Magnússon, Professor at Bifröst University and former Rector, who has for many years taught and conducted research in European studies and international relations.
The main objectives of the project are:
- To develop new undergraduate courses at Bifröst University focusing on European security and defence, Arctic security, and Iceland’s role in this context.
- To strengthen research on European security policy and emerging security threats in the Arctic and in the Icelandic context.
- To create a forum for strategic dialogue between academia, public authorities, the media and the general public concerning Iceland’s future relations with its allies in Europe and beyond.
- To reinforce links with international partners, including embassies, research institutions, Jean Monnet networks, and European universities and researchers working on related issues.
The Jean Monnet Chair project is funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme and will run from 2025 to 2028. It supports the EU’s objectives of enhancing knowledge and debate on European integration and European affairs both within higher education and beyond.
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