EU policy and implementation: making Europe work! from Coursera

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!

Understanding policy and the European policy process

The course starts by introducing the main concepts such as policy and the policy process, and includes a discussion of what decision-making is. It is shown that in making a decision the decided outcome is not always the most socially desirable state of affairs. This is important to understand in order to appreciate the imperfections of decision-making at the various levels of the European policy process. Furthermore, we explore the European multi-level policy process, as a starting point for the more specialized lectures in the subsequent weeks. In this week, students are also introduced to the policy dossiers to make their choice.

EU Decision-making

Focusing on EU decision-making, the main question is: what can go wrong in the European decision-making process over legal measures? The lectures pay attention to the role of sectoral interests in the EU, and time. Policymakers often seem to be in a hurry, which may impact the choices that are made. Furthermore, in the last lecture we turn our perspective to the international context within which the EU operates. International agreements, for example, can be yet another source for further European legislation.

Transposition

Once legal measures have been adopted, the question arises as to what will happen next? For EU directives, the formal requirements need to be transformed into national legislation by member states. We discuss both a legal and a policy perspective on transposition, which provide rather different perspectives on this work. Adopted legal measures may also require further specification, which brings us to the preparation and adoption of delegated and implementing acts. For these acts the European Commission plays an important role. Finally, we look into the role of the European Commission as an actor overseeing transposition in the member states. Does the Commission act as the ‘guardian of the treaties’?

Implementation

What can go wrong with implementation? In this week, we focus on the main causes of policy failure and success by discussing three different groups of theories. These address systemic features, such as time, capacity and culture, institutional or normative features related to groups and behavioral features. Each group of possible features is briefly explained and discussed in the lectures. Furthermore, attention is given to the involvement of regional and local governments in the implementation of European policy within member states, which provides yet another challenge to European policy implementation.

Redesigning EU policymaking

Having experienced the European policy process from European lawmaking to regional and perhaps local implementation, the last week reflects on ways to improve EU policymaking. How can EU policy, but also the policy process be redesigned? What is currently discussed in Brussels? And what are the options? The students will first be introduced to the Better Regulation Agenda of the European Commission, which also aims to improve policymaking. Three different directions of change are discussed in the lectures: (a) the ambition to close the European policy cycle by connecting ex-post evaluations with consultations and impact assessments as tools to prepare for new legislation; (b) introducing more experimentation to obtain better results, and (c) focusing on decentralization as a way of bringing back policymaking power to member states, regional governments or even local government.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Eu policy implementation: complex and insightful

**Learners say** the "EU policy and implementation: making Europe work! " course is largely positive, helpful for careers, and quite challenging. The course uses a combination of engaging assignments, difficult exams, and quality lectures to help students better understand EU policy and implementation. One learner noted it is "complex but insightful", while another exclaimed: "Necessary. The course is updating and giving insight to participate in the debates and also knowing what is up and down in the EU and its’ functioning."

Helpful for Careers

"For any EURO sceptic this course is an eye opener to the intricate workings of an unique institution the European Union is."

Engaging Assignments

"The course combines successfully theory and practice through exercises directly applied to the EU policy and implementation."

High-Quality Course

"All MOOC courses at Leiden Universtiy are top quality - this is one of the best."

"Well organized, with a keen eye on the practice in combination with the latest research and theories."

Challenging Course

"Too complicated but very useful and interesting."

"Complex but insightful."

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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'

Show steps

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

View EU Law on Amazon

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Discussion: EU Policy Failures and Successes

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Transposition

Show steps

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

Participate in EU Policy Simulation

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Legislator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lobbyist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regional Planner

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker