Young Scholars’ Conference at JNU Explores the EU as a Model for Regional Integration

New Delhi – On April 3, 2025, the two-day Young Scholars’ Conference on "The EU as a Model of Regional Integration" was inaugurated at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The event was organized by the Jean Monnet Module – The EU as a Model of Regional Integration: Indian Perspective and the Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies, JNU.

The inaugural session was attended by H.E. Ambassador Hervé Delphin, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan; H.E. Ms. Marje Luup, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to India; Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of the School of International Studies; Prof. Bhaswati Sarkar, Chairperson of the Centre for European Studies; and Dr. Sakti Prasad Srichandan, the conference convener.

Welcoming the attendees, Dr. Sakti Prasad Srichandan highlighted that the two-day conference would feature six working sessions, with 33 research papers presented by scholars. These papers were selected from 118 submitted abstracts.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Bhaswati Sarkar introduced the key features of the Centre for European Studies and the School of International Studies to the distinguished guests. She also discussed the changing strategic landscape in the EU, particularly in the context of the presidency of Donald Trump.

Delivering the Chair’s address, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo spoke about the successes and challenges of the EU’s model of regional integration. "The EU is not a fixed idea but an ongoing negotiation," he stated.

In his inaugural address as the Chief Guest, H.E. Ambassador Hervé Delphin remarked, "The EU is not just about institutions but also about people. It is the most subversive institutional and political idea in history. The success of each and every enlargement of the EU proves the importance of the integration strategy. Progressively, in terms of foreign policy, the EU has opened up to the world. The economic, military, and social rearmament of Europe is happening as we speak. We're at the cusp of a new agenda. India and the EU are poised for a systemic embrace, and EU-India relations are soaring to new heights. The EU always stands as a partner in supporting regional integration."

Responding to questions, Ambassador Delphin noted, EU and India are looking to significantly scale up cooperation in clean tech, semi-conductors, defence and security in addition to trade.” He added, “The proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be the largest of its kind. The current global environment is accelerating negotiations. The reciprocal tariffs by US further strengthen rationale for an India-EU FTA talks but it will not define them."

As the Guest of Honour, H.E. Ms. Marje Luup stated, "I can say with certainty that we are a part of Europe. The harmonization of Estonian processes with the EU framework was challenging during the accession process. Today, we have a voice in Brussels. Estonians feel more secure, and EU membership has offered numerous opportunities for our citizens. The EU is constantly evolving, and our country is actively involved in shaping these developments. India and Estonia need to learn more about each other."

Responding to questions, she emphasized, "We advocate for a just peace for Ukraine."

The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Shweta Yadav, a research scholar at the Centre for European Studies.