EU policy and implementation: making Europe work! from Coursera

People have become more critical of EU policy and often seem to prefer local policy solutions in response to globalisation problems. How do you experience EU policy? Does it help? And if not, how can we change this? In this course, we learn how the European Union prepares and decides on policy, and how policy is transferred to member states and implemented by various authorities, including regional and local governments. We discuss the challenges of the European multi-level governance structure. We also focus on the main causes of policy failure or success. On this journey, we focus on actual policy and present the views of various experts: how easy is it to establish yourself in another EU-country? How do governments make sure that the air you breathe is clean? And who is responsible?

You will be able to do research together in your own local setting. Research on implementation in which you can make comparisons between different countries or areas. If you live outside the EU, this is not a problem. We have developed assignments in such a way that you can do research in your area and compare your findings with others.

This MOOC has been rated as one of the best MOOCs of 2017 and is currently in the Top 50 MOOCs of All Time of Class Central

So, are you curious? Please join: 'EU policy and implementation: making Europe work'. Watch our trailer video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3nSN9R3VR4

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to this course

Great that you are joining us! In this course you will learn about the fascinating process of European policy-making and implementation. Before you start studying we invite you to go through our introduction module first. Please introduce yourself on the forum to meet your fellow learners. If you encounter any difficulties while studying, please let us know on the forum. For technical difficulties or questions regarding the course certificate, you can always contact the Coursera Learner Helpdesk. Good luck and we hope you will enjoy studying in this course!

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

EU Policy processes from a multi-level governance structure

Develops learners' understanding of the European policy process

Practical approach involving research on implementation

Reviews summary

Detailed look into eu policy & implementation

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and detailed exploration of EU policy-making and implementation. Students particularly praise the well-structured content and the insightful lectures provided by expert instructors. The course assignments, especially the policy dossiers and comparative research, are highlighted as highly valuable and practical, allowing learners to apply concepts to real-world scenarios or their local context. While some found the pace or depth challenging, the overall sentiment is strongly positive, with many recommending it for anyone seeking a deep understanding of how EU policies are made and enacted.

Content is dense and demands focused study.

"The course is demanding and requires serious work and dedication."

"While comprehensive, the content is dense and requires careful attention."

"This is not a light course; be prepared to invest significant time in understanding the material."

"It covers a lot of information, so keeping up with the readings and lectures is important."

Provides a solid foundation for understanding EU policy.

"Provides a good foundation for anyone interested in EU policy."

"Gave me a solid understanding of the complexities involved in EU governance."

"Excellent course for getting a fundamental grasp of how the EU works internally."

"I feel much better informed about the EU's processes after taking this course."

Course structure is logical and easy to navigate.

"The course was well-structured, making it easy to follow the progression of the policy cycle."

"I appreciated the logical flow of the modules, from theory to practical application."

"The structure is excellent, building knowledge step by step."

"Modules are organized logically and flow well."

Assignments help apply concepts and research local context.

"The assignment in this course is well-designed and helps to consolidate learning."

"Working on the policy dossiers and doing my own local research was incredibly helpful."

"The assignments are practical and require you to engage deeply with the material and your own context."

"I particularly enjoyed the comparative research assignment; it added a great practical dimension."

"The policy dossier work was challenging but very rewarding in applying the concepts."

Instructors provide clear explanations and valuable insights.

"The lectures were very engaging and comprehensive."

"Lectures are clear and easy to follow."

"The lectures from the different experts were well-structured and provided valuable insights."

"Lecturers are knowledgeable and explain complex topics effectively."

"I found the lectures really insightful, especially those focusing on specific policy areas."

Covers EU policy making, decision-making, and implementation in depth.

"This course is a very interesting introduction to the EU policy process - from decision-making to transposition and implementation in member states."

"Very interesting and comprehensive course, providing a good overview on the whole European Policy Cycle."

"A very comprehensive insight into the complex process of European policy making and implementation."

"The course is well-structured and offers an in-depth look at the EU's policy cycle."

"It gives a good overview how EU policies are made and enacted, covering a lot of ground from decision-making to implementation."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in EU policy and implementation: making Europe work! with these activities:

Connect with EU Policy Experts

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Expand your network and gain valuable insights by seeking out mentors who are knowledgeable in EU policy.

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Identify potential mentors within your professional network.
Reach out to mentors and introduce yourself.
Request guidance and support on topics of interest.

Read 'EU Law: Text, Cases, and Materials'

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Gain in-depth knowledge of EU law and its implications for policymaking by reading this comprehensive text.

View EU Law on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of 'EU Law: Text, Cases, and Materials'.
Read designated chapters relevant to the course.
Take notes and highlight key concepts.

Create an EU Policy Timeline

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Enhance your understanding of the EU policymaking process over time by creating a visual timeline of significant events.

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Research key dates and events in EU policy history.
Select a suitable format for your timeline.
Create a visually appealing and informative timeline.

Five other activities

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Discussion: EU Policy Failures and Successes

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Engage in discussions with peers to analyze and understand the factors contributing to both successful and unsuccessful EU policies.

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Review course materials on policy failure and success theories.
Identify specific EU policies to discuss.
Join a peer group and participate in discussions.

Practice Transposition Exercises

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Develop a better understanding of transposition requirements and processes by completing practice exercises.

Browse courses on Transposition

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Read background materials on transposition.
Attempt sample exercises related to transposition.
Review your answers against provided solutions.

Participate in EU Policy Simulation

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Test your understanding and practical skills in EU policymaking by participating in a simulation exercise.

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Review simulation materials and prepare your strategy.
Participate actively in the simulation as a representative.
Engage in negotiations and decision-making.

Contribute to Open-Source Policy Analysis Tools

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Deepen your understanding of policy analysis techniques and contribute to the open-source community by working on projects related to EU policy.

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Identify open-source projects relevant to EU policy analysis.
Review project documentation and code.
Make contributions to the project.

Develop a Policy Proposal for EU Reform

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Apply your knowledge of EU policymaking to create a comprehensive policy proposal that addresses a specific issue or area of concern.

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Identify a policy area for your proposal.
Research and analyze the issue.
Develop a policy solution and draft a proposal.

Career center

Learners who complete EU policy and implementation: making Europe work! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts study, analyze, and make recommendations on government policies. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups. This course can help Policy Analysts by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the policies that they are analyzing, and to make more informed recommendations on how to improve them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Legislator

Legislators are elected officials who make laws. They work in a variety of settings, including local, state, and federal government. This course can help Legislators by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the laws that they are making, and to make more informed decisions about how to improve them.

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European Union Studies Specialist

European Union Studies Specialists study the European Union and its institutions. They work in a variety of settings, including academia, government, and business. This course can help European Union Studies Specialists by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the EU and its policies, and to make more informed analyses of European politics.

See salaries and explore the career path for European Union Studies Specialist

Political Scientist

Political Scientists study the theory and practice of politics. They work in a variety of settings, including academia, government, and journalism. This course can help Political Scientists by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the political systems that they are studying, and to make more informed analyses of political events.

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Lobbyist

Lobbyists represent the interests of businesses, organizations, and individuals before government agencies and legislators. They work to influence public policy on behalf of their clients. This course can help Lobbyists by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the policies that they are lobbying for, and to make more effective arguments on behalf of their clients.

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Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They work in a variety of settings, including newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. This course can help Journalists by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the stories that they are reporting on, and to provide more informed coverage of European politics.

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Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries in foreign affairs. They work in a variety of settings, including embassies, consulates, and international organizations. This course can help Diplomats by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the policies of the countries that they are representing, and to negotiate more effectively on behalf of their countries.

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International Relations Specialist

International Relations Specialists study the interactions between countries. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations. This course can help International Relations Specialists by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the relationships between the EU and other countries, and to make more informed analyses of international events.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for organizations. They work in a variety of settings, including nonprofit organizations, universities, and government agencies. This course can help Grant Writers by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the policies that they are writing proposals for, and to make more effective proposals.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They work in a variety of settings, including social service organizations, educational institutions, and arts organizations. This course can help Nonprofit Managers by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the policies that their organizations are working on, and to make more effective decisions about how to achieve their goals.

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Public Administrator

Public Administrators manage the operations of government agencies. They work in a variety of settings, including local, state, and federal government. This course can help Public Administrators by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the policies that they are implementing, and to make more effective decisions about how to manage their agencies.

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Regional Planner

Regional Planners develop plans for the use of land and resources in a region. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations. This course can help Regional Planners by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the policies that they are planning for, and to make more effective plans for their regions.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans for the use of land and resources in urban areas. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations. This course can help Urban Planners by providing them with a deep understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge can help them to better understand the policies that they are planning for, and to make more effective plans for their cities.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations. This course may help Environmental Scientists by providing them with a basic understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge may help them to better understand the policies that they are working on, and to make more informed decisions about how to protect the environment.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people to cope with social problems. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and social service agencies. This course may help Social Workers by providing them with a basic understanding of the European Union's policymaking process. This knowledge may help them to better understand the policies that they are working on, and to make more informed decisions about how to help their clients.

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