Teachers: Professor Dr. Anargyros Passas, Assistant Professor Dr. Charalampos Platias
The module discusses the European Union (EU), a remarkable construct and a unique policy and governance system, looking into its nature as a political entity and providing an overview of its institutional aspects, distinct characteristics, organisational structure, operational features, procedures, etc. All the above are presented and analysed through a review of the historical evolution of the EU and an examination of the system and its individual elements, taking account of the theory of European integration, as an objective and as a process. The module introduces students to these issues in order to familiarise them with European integration and the EU system. Special emphasis is placed on a systematic examination of key elements and concepts. Bearing these in mind, significant current developments in the EU are highlighted and discussed.
Indicative sections
1. Introduction and definitions
2. Historical development of European integration and the EU
3. Institutional structure and framework of the EU - Treaty of Lisbon
4. Organisational and operational characteristics of the EU
5. EU legislative process and outputs
6. Politics and governance in the EU
7. EU multilevel governance
8. The issue of democracy in the EU
9. Social policy in the EU
10. Cohesion policy, programs and funding in the EU
11. Current developments in the EU
12. Debate on the Future of the EU.