Governance in the European Union from edX

What's inside

Learning objectives

The nature of the eu: we will tackle questions about what the eu is, what it is not, and how the eu came to be as it is today.
The eu's institutions: we will delve into the functioning and evolution of the main decision-making eu institutions.
Policy-making in the eu: we will highlight the main policy-making procedures, actors and processes that occur in the eu.

Stakeholders and their role in european governance: we will discuss the role of lobbyists, eu citizens and eu elections.
The european union in world politics: we will consider the eu's own objectives on the global stage and its multilateral and bilateral relations in the world.
Contestation in the eu: we will explore periods of crises and contestation in the eu, and how the bloc has responded.

The nature of the eu: we will tackle questions about what the eu is, what it is not, and how the eu came to be as it is today.
The eu's institutions: we will delve into the functioning and evolution of the main decision-making eu institutions.
Policy-making in the eu: we will highlight the main policy-making procedures, actors and processes that occur in the eu.
Stakeholders and their role in european governance: we will discuss the role of lobbyists, eu citizens and eu elections.
The european union in world politics: we will consider the eu's own objectives on the global stage and its multilateral and bilateral relations in the world.
Contestation in the eu: we will explore periods of crises and contestation in the eu, and how the bloc has responded.

Syllabus

Module 1: The Nature of the EU

Determine the nature and evolution of the EU, both theoretically and in practice

Assess the potential scenarios for further EU integration

Discuss the two main approaches to theorising EU integration, namely neo-functionalism and intergovernmentalism.

Module 2: The EU's Institutions

Understand the historic evolution of the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Council, the Council of the EU and the Court of Justice of the EU

Explain the internal organisation and roles of these key EU institutions

Identify the role of the various EU bodies and agencies in helping the EU to fulfil its tasks

Module 3: Policy-making in the EU

Identify how the EU makes decisions in various areas (competences)

Identify which kinds of (non-)legislative acts EU institutions can adopt

Discuss the methods by which the EU and the member states adopt legislation ( Community method; intergovernmental method; open method of coordination; centralised decision-making)

Explain the actors and processes involved in the EU policy cycle and agenda-setting

Module 4: Stakeholders and their Role in European Governance

Discuss the role of citizens, lobbyists, EU political parties in the EU, in theory and in practice

Understand how regional and local governments defend their interest at European level

Assess European elections, in particular the funding parties, the potential of transnational lists, and the spitzenkandidaten process

Module 5: The European Union in World Politics

Understand the formal objectives of the EU’s foreign policy (EUFP) and the ambiguity in them

Identify the four dimensions of EUFP: CFSP; CSDP; external actions and the internal dimension of internal policies

Explain how the historical background has contributed to the main areas of tension in the foreign policy setting

Identify the role of the main institutional actors and instruments in EUFP

Discuss the features, advantages and limitations of different theoretical lenses to analyse EUFP (Power; Actorness; Multilateralism; decentring)

Explore the main features of the EU’s bilateral relationships with China, Russia and the US and of its multilateral relations with the UN, WTO and NATO

Module 6: Contemporary Contestation of European Governance

Understand the concept of contestation in present European and global governance

Identify how Member states contest the EU as a political and legal order

Discuss how different European integration theories consider the impact of contestation on the EU in times of crises

Assess the EU’s strategic responses to contestation throughout periods of crises

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops understanding of the European Union's multi-level governance system

Provides a solid foundation for understanding the complex interplay of EU institutions, actors, and processes

Examines the EU's evolving role on the global stage

Taught by reputable instructors with expertise in European integration

May require prior knowledge of or interest in European politics

Covers a wide range of topics, which may appeal to learners with varying interests

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 Governance in the European Union with these activities:

Review what you already know about multiple-level governance

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Activate prior knowledge, increasing the likelihood for forming connections with new information

Browse courses on Governance

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Recall and write down what you remember about multiple-level governance and its key concepts.
Consider the different levels of governance involved and how they interact.

Explore an interactive timeline of EU integration

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Gain a visual understanding of the historical development of the EU, providing context for current governance structures

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Visit the European Union website and access the interactive timeline.
Navigate through the timeline, exploring key milestones and events.
Identify patterns and trends in the integration process.

Discuss EU governance in a peer group

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Engage in active learning and knowledge exchange by discussing course concepts with peers, reinforcing understanding

Browse courses on EU Institutions

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Form a peer group with classmates.
Choose a topic related to EU governance to discuss.
Prepare talking points and research to support your discussion.

Five other activities

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Analyze EU policy documents

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Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing real-world EU policy documents, deepening understanding of policy-making processes

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Choose an EU policy document relevant to your interests.
Read and analyze the document, identifying key issues, objectives, and proposed actions.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the policy.

Create a presentation on a specific EU policy area

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Synthesize knowledge by researching and presenting on a specific EU policy area, fostering a deeper understanding of policy content and processes

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Choose a specific EU policy area to focus on.
Research the policy area, gathering information from credible sources.
Develop a presentation that outlines the policy, its objectives, and its implementation.

Connect with an EU policy expert

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Gain insights from experienced professionals by connecting with an EU policy expert, enriching understanding of real-world policy dynamics

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Identify potential mentors through networking events or online platforms.
Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in connecting.
Establish regular communication and ask thoughtful questions to gain insights.

Volunteer with an EU-focused organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the field by volunteering with an EU-focused organization, applying knowledge and developing new skills

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Research EU-focused organizations and identify ones that align with your interests.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule and actively participate in the organization's activities.

Participate in an EU-themed case competition

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Test your knowledge and analytical skills by participating in an EU-themed case competition, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

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Identify EU-themed case competitions and register to participate.
Analyze the case study and develop a comprehensive solution.
Prepare and deliver a presentation to a panel of judges.

Career center

Learners who complete Governance in the European Union will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

European Law Expert

European Law Experts provide legal advice and support on matters related to EU law. This course would be highly beneficial for someone in this role because it covers the legal framework of the European Union, including its institutions, decision-making procedures, and enforcement mechanisms. This knowledge would enable someone to provide informed legal advice on EU-related matters and stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments in the EU.

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EU Lobbyist

EU Lobbyists advocate for the interests of their clients before EU institutions. This course would be very helpful for someone in this role because it provides a thorough understanding of the EU's decision-making processes, stakeholder involvement, and policy-making procedures. This knowledge would enable someone to effectively represent their clients' interests and navigate the complex EU policy landscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for EU Lobbyist

Academic Researcher (European Studies)

Academic Researchers specializing in European Studies conduct research on various aspects of the European Union. This course would be a valuable asset for someone in this role because it provides a comprehensive overview of the EU's governance system, policy-making procedures, and stakeholder involvement. This knowledge would enable someone to conduct in-depth research on EU-related topics and contribute to a deeper understanding of the EU's political, economic, and social dynamics.

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Project Manager (EU Funded Projects)

Project Managers oversee the implementation of EU-funded projects. This course would be very beneficial for someone in this role because it provides a thorough understanding of the EU's funding mechanisms, project management procedures, and stakeholder involvement. This knowledge would enable someone to effectively manage EU-funded projects and ensure their successful implementation.

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European Policy Advisor

European Policy Advisors provide advice and support to organizations on policy issues related to the European Union. This course would be a valuable asset for someone in this role because it offers insights into the EU's governance system, including its policy-making processes, stakeholder involvement, and role in world politics. This knowledge would enable someone to effectively advise organizations on how to navigate the EU's policy landscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for European Policy Advisor

Teacher (Political Science or European Studies)

Teachers of Political Science or European Studies educate students about political systems, institutions, and processes. This course would be a valuable asset for someone in this role because it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Union's governance system, policy-making procedures, and stakeholder involvement. This knowledge would enable someone to effectively teach students about the EU and its role in European and global affairs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher (Political Science or European Studies)

Government Relations Specialist

Government Relations Specialists promote their organization's agendas with government entities at the local, state, and federal levels. This course would be a great primer for someone interested in a career in this field because it provides a comprehensive grounding in the European Union and its governance, including an understanding of the EU's institutions, policy-making procedures, and stakeholder involvement. This background would enable someone to effectively navigate the complex world of government relations.

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Journalist (European Affairs)

Journalists specializing in European Affairs report on EU-related news and developments. This course would be a valuable asset for someone in this role because it provides a deep understanding of the EU's governance system, policy-making procedures, and stakeholder involvement. This knowledge would enable someone to accurately and effectively report on EU-related issues and provide informed analysis to the public.

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International Relations Analyst

International Relations Analysts research and analyze international political, economic, and social issues. This course would provide a useful foundation for someone in this role because it covers the European Union's role in world politics, including its foreign policy objectives, multilateral and bilateral relations, and response to crises. This knowledge would enable someone to better understand the dynamics of international relations and provide informed analysis on EU-related issues.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study political systems, institutions, and processes. This course would be beneficial for someone in this field because it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Union's governance system, including its institutions, policy-making procedures, and stakeholder involvement. This knowledge would enable someone to conduct research and analysis on EU-related topics and contribute to a deeper understanding of the EU's political dynamics.

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Risk Analyst (Political Risk)

Risk Analysts specializing in political risk assess and mitigate political risks for organizations. This course would be a helpful foundation for someone in this role because it provides insights into the EU's governance system, decision-making procedures, and response to crises. This knowledge would enable someone to better understand the political landscape of the EU and assess potential political risks that could impact organizations.

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International Development Consultant

International Development Consultants provide advice and support to organizations working in the field of international development. This course may be helpful for someone in this role because it offers insights into the EU's role in global development and its cooperation with other international organizations. This knowledge would enable someone to better understand the EU's development agenda and contribute to the effective implementation of development projects.

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Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides insights into the EU's policy-making processes, stakeholder involvement, and governance system. This knowledge would enable someone to better understand the dynamics of public policymaking in the EU context.

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Think Tank Researcher

Think Tank Researchers conduct research and analysis on public policy issues. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides insights into the EU's policy-making processes, stakeholder involvement, and governance system. This knowledge would enable someone to better understand the dynamics of public policymaking in the EU context and conduct informed research on EU-related issues.

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Foreign Service Officer

Foreign Service Officers represent their country's interests abroad. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Union's role in world politics, including its foreign policy objectives, multilateral and bilateral relations, and response to crises. This knowledge would enable someone to better understand the EU's foreign policy and represent their country's interests effectively in the context of the EU.

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