Law and Politics: current topics in the European Union

Volledige vakbeschrijving

In 1993, with the Treaty of Maastricht, the EU was officially born out of the European Economic Community. From the 6 original member states the Union grew to its present 27 member states. The European Economy is now one of the largest in the world and the past 60 years have been relatively peaceful apart from the Balkan Wars. However, in 2005 the European Constitution failed to get rectified in the Netherlands and France (two of the founder countries) and during the elections in 2009, Holland’s anti-Islamic and Euro-skeptic Freedom Party, headed by right-wing politician Geert Wilders, won 17 percent of the vote to gain four seats at its first European election. The current European sovereign debt crisis has raised the question whether the European Union will survive the crisis in the Euro-area intact. If asked, most Europeans will tell you that they feel Dutch, or French, or German, but not European. 59 Years after Shuman’s hopeful and visionary declaration, it seems that faith in the benefit of a united Europe is wavering and one wonders what the future will hold for this unique experiment…? The course intends to give students a better understanding of the history and politics of the process of European integration. It will also introduce to students the important institutions and some of the most prominent policies of the European Union today. The course is divided in a number of different topics. First of all the history of European integration is looked at. Secondly the institutions of the European Union are examined. The third part examines decision- making and the establishment of the common market. This includes a discussion of the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital. The second substantial part of the common market is the EU competition policy, consisting of article 101 and 102 TFEU and the merger control regulation. Furthermore the rules on public procurement and state aids will be evaluated.