040315 SE Political Processes and Governance in the EU (2023W)

Policy-making at the European Union (EU) level is complex given the institutional polyphony that characterises its multifaceted multi-level decision-making processes. Social/economic strife (Austherity, Brexit, Migration, Trade agreements etc.), an environment of heightened Euroscepticism across the EU, as well as the spread of populist politics and rise of illiberal democracies have affected the type of solutions offered, which range from more supranational action to rejection of EU and a retreat to national sovereignty.
This course will engage with the above and completion of the seminar will enable students to have a deeper understanding of the functions of the EU’s institutions/actors and the processes involved in EU policy/decision-making.

Policy-making at the European Union (EU) level is decided by a variety of institutions/actors that have contributed to the EU's multi-faceted, multi-level decision-making processes.
This course will address: a) the decision-making processes and models; b) the EU's main institutional actors and the impact recent crises have had on their functions/mandates as well as on their inter-relationships; and c) the role of selected EU MS.
The classes will be structured as follows: Group presentation - max.30min; Small-group discussions - ~15min; Open class discussion - remaining time.

OBJECTIVE OF THE COURSE:
The aim of the course is twofold:
a) to enable students to gain an understanding of the political context within which business is done in the EU (decision-making processes and actors involved in policy-making at the EU level);
b) advance students' critical/analytical ability to produce spoken and written assignments in accordance with good academic practices.