External Relations of the European Union

Academic year: 2008-2009 Course code module MREC0730-A Semester: 2nd semester Credits: 3 Study load (hours) 84 Theory (hours): Practice/Exercises(hours): 6,00 Other (hours): Part-time program: Instructor(s) Panos Koutrakos Language of instruction: English Semester exam information: exam in the 2nd semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties Competences which are proved by the successful termination of the Bachelor in Law. *Sequentiality 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) This course examines the external economic and political relations of the European Union. Its aims are:   ·         To explore the various legal, economic and political mechanisms by which the EU relates to the outside world ·         To examine the constitutional principles underpinning the EU external relations law and their development by the European courts ·         To discuss the interaction between law, politics and economics in the area   ·         To familiarise students with recent challenges facing the EU’s international presence and discuss recent policy initiatives ·         To discuss the relationship between the internal market and its external dimension ·         To assess the emerging role of the EU as an international political actor, with emphasis on the security and defence policy dimension of its external activities. ·         To understand the rules and principles governing the coexistence between the European and the Member States on the international scene 3. Course content The first part of the course will examine the constitutional rules which shape the EU’s international relations. It will discuss the issue of international legal personality, the rules governing the existence and exercise of its external competence, the rules on the negotiation and conclusion of international agreements and their effect within the Community legal order. The relationship between the EC and WTO law will also be analysed.   The course will then examine specific areas of external relations. It will focus on Common Commercial Policy, it will examine the import and export rules, anti-dumping law, economic sanctions, as well as the relationship between trade and environmental and development policies. Furthermore, the EU’s relations with specific third countries and groups of countries (such as the West Balkans, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Mediterranean countries) will be examined.     Finally, the course will pay special attention to the rules and practice of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the European Security and Defence Policy. It will also study the ways in which individuals are affected by EU actions in these areas. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures Tutorials Personal work: Assignments - individual 5. Assessment method Exam: Written, with oral presentation 6. Compulsory reading – study material Koutrakos, EU International Relations Law (2006, Hart Publishing). 7. Recommended reading - study material 8. Tutoring laatste aanpassing: last update: 12/01/2009 12:25 katia.detemmerman