European Studies is one of the main academic and research fields at the Department of World History and International Relations of Irkutsk State University (ISU). Despite geographical location of ISU in Asian part of Russia considerable efforts have been made at the University to advance this area of studies. Many of the accomplishments in this field have resulted from participation of ISU in a number of European projects (Tempus, EU Center in Siberia project, Erasmus Mundus). They have become an important and much needed basis for introduction and implementation of EU studies program at ISU. Irkutsk EU studies program is unique for Eastern Siberia and has no analogues in the region. It is based on research and teaching traditions of Irkutsk schools of history, international relations and European studies, on the one hand, and seeks to comply with European standards, on the other hand.The proposed project aims at improving existing EU studies program at ISU. It deepens teaching and research of such issues as nature and substance of EU's foreign policy, Russia-EU relations, particularly their mutual perceptions, highlights the essence of common European identity. The courses offered within the EU studies program allow students to acquire in-depth knowledge about EU political and international agenda. The objectives of the project are to harmonize methodology, syllabi and teaching materials, to maintain high quality control process of teaching, to reinforce the links between teaching and research. The project is based on teaching, research, dissemination and outreach activities of the Chair holder. These activities are closely related and reinforce each other. Dissemination and outreach activities will involve academic publications, conference presentations, public lectures, advertizing of EU studies program. The project will give a greater visibility to EU studies, particularly at regional level.