UNU-CRIS

The United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) is a Research and Training Institute of the United Nations University (UNU). Based in Bruges, (Belgium) since 2001, UNU-CRIS specialises in the comparative study of regional integration, monitoring and assessing regional integration worldwide and in the study of interactions between regional organizations and global institutions.

Its aim is to generate new and policy-relevant knowledge about new forms of governance and co-operation, and to contribute to capacity building on issues of regional integration, particularly in developing countries.

UNU–CRIS’ core funding is provided by the Flemish Government of the Kingdom of Belgium. With the support of the province of West Flanders, it is located at the Episcopal Seminary (Grootseminarie), the former Abbey of the Dunes of Bruges. A Memorandum of Understanding signed by the United Nations University and the Flemish Government in 2001 established an institutional cooperation with the College of Europe.

UNU–CRIS is bound to the guidelines of UNU, set out by the UNU Council. It is led by its Director and Associate Director, responsible for the research and management of the institute and the implementation of the guidelines provided by the Scientific Advisory Committee. The Scientific Advisory Committee consists of internationally renowned scientists and convenes on a yearly basis to evaluate past performance and consults on future developments and strategies. Research is undertaken by resident academics in Bruges and a number of non-resident Associate Researchers located at institutions around the globe. Besides that, the Institute hosts visiting researchers and trainees at a regular basis.

The mission of UNU-CRIS is to contribute towards achieving the universal goals of the UN and UNU through comparative and interdisciplinary research and training for better understanding of the processes and impact of intra- and inter-regional integration.

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