PSCI 390 – The European Union

The creation of the European Economic Community/European Union (EEC/EU) is one of the most fascinating political developments which occurred after the Second World War. Whatever the failings, mistakes and weaknesses, the European Coal and Steel Community and then the EEC provided the framework for the rapidly expanding prosperity that underpinned political stability, and paved the way for lasting peace in Europe. Today, the EU is the biggest capitalist marketplace, the biggest trading power, and one of the most influential political players in the world, despite it is facing one of the worst political, social and economic crises in history. The course will explore the historical evolution of the EU, its institutions and policies, taking also into account the relationship with the USA. Special attention will be given to some key current issues such as the Russia-Ukraine War, the Euroscepticism, the migration crisis, climate change, and gender equality. The first part of the course will focus on the historical development of the European Union, from the “Schuman Declaration” (1950) to the Treaty of Lisbon (2007). Emphasis will be placed on studying the EU Pioneers (i.e. Winston Churchill, Robert Schuman, Jean Monnet, Altiero Spinelli, Ursula Hirschmann) and their European commitment as well as how the European institutions work and how they impact member states’ decisions. A focus on EEC/EU enlargements will be given, including the ongoing enlargement process of the Western Balkans countries and the debate over Ukraine’s EU membership. In the second half of the term, we will analyze European policies, with particular attention to the Environmental policy, the Foreign and Security policy, Gender Equality policy, and Migration Policy. The final part of the course will be devoted to the EU-US relations and the differences between European and American values.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will gain the following knowledge, skills, and competences:

• to critically analyze the dynamics behind the birth and historical evolution of the process of European integration;
• to understand the role of the EU institutions and their functioning in the decision-making process; – to identify the problems regarding the process of European integration;
• to identify and understand the role of the EU in international relations;
• critically assess the future prospects of the process of European integration;
• to identify the challenges ahead of the EU institutions and EU policy-making.