Decision-making in the EU

The main objective of this course is to provide students with in-depth understanding of the European Union’s (EU) decision-making processes. The course is divided into four parts.
Part I covers the fundamentals of the EU, including its origins, legal, political and territorial evolution
Part II focuses on theoretical approaches explaining European integration
Part III explores the functioning of EU institutions, emphasising their organisation, roles in the decision-making process; it addresses current challenges and key political and academic controversies.
Part IV examines how policies are made, with a focus on decision-making procedures, interest representation as well as modes of EU governance.
Each part provides examples of key social and political debates facing the EU today.

The structure of the course: 
Part I - A history of EU integration
How did we get here? 

1. What is the EU? 
2. Building the EU. Delegation of powers. 
3. The first critical juncture. From Paris to the SEA.
4. The second critical juncture. The post-Maastricht era.
5. How to explain outcomes? 
6. Past and current challenges. Key controversies in EU integration. 

The widening of the EU. Member States motivations. Why is the EU willing to integrate new Member States?

Part II - Theories of EU integration. Mainstream and critical approaches. 

Part III – The EU as a political system. 

1. Executive politics
2. Legislative politics
3. Judicial politics

Part IV – Decision-making and modes of governance

1. Supranational decision-making
2. Intergovernmental methods
3. Democracy in the EU
4. Conclusions

• a strong understanding of the different stages of the EU integration/cooperation process;
• in-depth knowledge of the roles and organisation of the EU’s main institutions; ability to explain their powers; a good understanding of the inter-institutional relations and the interaction of the EU institutions with the other political and social actors at the European level;
• the ability to analyse and explain the relations between member states and EU’s institutions as well as the dynamics of cooperation and conflict between EU institutions;
• a strong understanding of the decision-making processes at the EU-level, with the ability to explain different decision-making methods and modes of governance.
• critical thinking to analyse and discuss issues related to European integration and major turning points in this process
• a comprehensive understanding of the main controversies related to the EU integration process.
• a strong grasp of transversal concepts/topics such as integration, governance, intergovernmental, supranational, spillover, preferences, modes of governance, sovereignty, policy coordination, consensus, political regime, critical juncture, crisis, politicisation, depoliticization etc.

Connaissances et compétences pré-requises ou co-requises

- 

Cours ayant celui-ci comme pré-requis

Pedagogical approach: The course is composed of lectures.
In-Class participation: Despite the large number of students (200+), participation is encouraged. Students are encouraged to ask questions during class; some classes will be more interactive than others, depending on the time available.

Références, bibliographie et lectures recommandées

The teaching material is available on the UV. 
It is composed of compulsory readings and recommended references, as well as the PowerPoint presentations used in class.
To complement the course sessions, students are encouraged to read one scientific article per session (see the references below). These articles will help them to further their thinking; they can serve as a basis for reflection for assignments for other courses or for their final dissertation. Students are encouraged to use them in their answers to questions in the written examination.

Support(s) de cours

• Syllabus
• Université virtuelle

Contacts

Contact:
Prof. Ramona Coman
ramona.coman@ulb.be
Institut d'études européennes, Avenue F. D. Roosevelt 39, 1050 Bruxelles

Campus

Solbosch

Méthode(s) d'évaluation

• Examen écrit

Examen écrit

• Examen hors-session

• Question fermée à Choix Multiple (QCM)

Construction de la note (en ce compris, la pondération des notes partielles)

Quiz /multiple choice questions (MCQ) – 30% of the grade
The quiz brings together 30 questions drawing on the first readings and lectures.

• Where? In class.
• When? 14 November
• Duration? 40 minutes.

Absent?

• Students who do not take the quiz in November will receive a 0.
• The quiz will not be offered during the retake session (August).
• If you are unable to take the quiz on 28 November for medical reasons or any other legitimate justification, please let me know in advance.

Written exam - 70% of the grade
The 2h30 written exam evaluates the main learning outcomes.
Students will be invited to respond to two open questions:

• one related to the functioning and powers of the EU institutions (1 pages)
• one related to EU’s modes of governance and decision-making (2 pages)

The exam will assess students’ ability to develop clear and informed arguments, that is to define, analyse and understand EU-related issues, drawing on the course material and the 6 compulsory readings which are focused on EU institutions and decision-making.
The written exam is organised in January. Students who fail or are absent can retake it in August.

Langue(s) d'évaluation

• anglais