The proposed Network for Developing the European Studies in Caucasus (hereinafter, DESCNet) is designed to enhance the level of European Studies in the Caucasus. At its heart the goal is to create a scholarly association (“Association of European Studies for the Caucasus”, AESC). Start-up funding is sought for a Network with a number of unique features: (1) it is not limited to the countries of the South Caucasus, rather includes HEI from the region’s neighbours Russia and Turkey; (2) membership in AESC as the central deliverable is not limited to academic institutions, but is be open to active NGO’s and foundations of EU Member States and, last but not least, to practitioners and public figures; (3) it includes actors from the Caucasus region and academic institutions from the EU Member States that have an interest and long-term cooperation in the region, such as the University of Graz (UG) and the University of Tartu (UT).Activities of the network are divided into three areas: teaching, research enhancement, and outreach.Since almost all partners involved to the DESCNet have previous experience in JM actions while chairing, hosting and/or implementing teaching modules or projects, the network is seen as a consortium of active and outstanding experts that will unite scattered efforts in promotion the European integration not only locally, but internationally. As there is no similar network acting in the region, the current application is meant to create a precedent and bring additional visibility to JM actions by reaching those partners who is not yet aware of it. Considering the current political discourse and recent geo-political developments, such strong actor as AECS supported by the DESCNet will be also given certain role in designing a mind-set of stakeholders or decision makers in the region.In addition, as a DESCNet outcome, AESC will foster exchange between member institutions regarding other Erasmus+ initiatives and potential collaborations.