040226 SE Political Processes and Governance in the EU (MA) (2021S)

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 complex given the institutional polyphony that characterises its multifaceted multi-level decision-making processes.
All of the EU member states (EUMS) through the EU’s intergovernmental institutions (i.e. European Council, Council) as well as its supranational institutions (e.g. European Commission, European Parliament, etc.) play a crucial role. Also, specific policies (e.g. monetary policy) are decided in specialised institutions (e.g. European Central Bank) and non-states actors, interest groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) try also to shape policy decision.
Recently, the ongoing global public health crisis and other factors such social/economic strife (Euro/debt crises, illegal immigration, Brexit, etc.), heightened Euroscepticism across the EU, spread of populist politics and rise of illiberal democracies have affected the type of solutions offered/pursued at the EU level. These solutions range from more supranational action to an outright rejection of the EU and a retreat to national sovereignty. Historically seen, crises are nothing new to the European integration process: each period has had its own fair share of crises that ultimately have contributed to the flexibility/complexity of the Union we have today.
This course will engage with the above in terms of: a) decision making processes and methods; b) supranational/intergovernmental actors and the impact recent crises may have had on their functions/mandates as well as on the inter-institutional relationships; and c) role of selected EUMS (DE, FR, illiberal democracies).
Completion of the seminar will enable students to have a deeper understanding of the EU’s institutions and actors, their functions as well as processes involved in EU policy/decision-making.

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

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Detailed understanding about processes and actors involved in policy-making at the EU level
• Each class stresses a specific issue thus, students will gain
o introductory knowledge through compulsory & further background readings and
o in‐depth knowledge through the additional and further readings.
• Class is designed to develop students’ analytical/critical thinking (research work; essay writing included) and presentation techniques. Hence, students will learn how to:
o Independently produce written analyses in accordance with good academic practices,
o Raise good analytical questions relevant to topics provided,
o Plan and present own research, and
o Critically analyse and think conceptually about the processes and actors involved in policy-making at EU level by using reasoned/well-informed arguments.