Political and Economic Integration of the European Union

Course Description

Description
This course deepens into the study of rules and case law governing the European internal market and the most relevant aspects of political dimension in the current European Union. This matter is therefore essential for any jurist who wants to work in a European or international institution. Pre-requisites This course requires prior knowledge of EU institutions and EU law.

Contents
Unit I. The EU Competition Policy
Introduction: objectives and scope
1. Agreements and concerted practices
2. Abuse of dominant position
3. Mergers
4. State aids

Unit II. Public Procurement in the EU
Introduction:
-The definition of ‘public procurement’
-Legal framework
1. The Public Sector Directive 2004/18/EC
2. The Utilities Services Directive 2004/17/EC (water, energy, transport and
postal services)
3. Procedural issues

Unit III: Citizenship of the Union
Introduction:
-The concept of ‘citizen’
-The EU citizenship and its political significance
1.The specific set of rights: scope, conditions and limits
2.Citizenship and other elements of democratic legitimacy after the Treaty of
Lisbon: the new right of legislative initiative and the Charter of Fundamental
rights

Unit IV: The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
Introduction: objectives and principles
1.Institutional issues: the High Representative and the European External
Action Service (EEAS)
2.The Common Security and Defence Policy: evolution and scope

Unit V. Thee stablishment of an Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ)\Introduction
1.First steps and evolution towards an AFSJ
2.Institutional developments in the AFSJ

Unit VI. The AFSJ: substantive issues
1.EU policy on border checks
2.EU policy on immigration and asylum
3.Action against illegal immigration
4.Police and judicial cooperation on criminal matters

Assessment
The development and achievement of competences is assessed according to the following criteria:
- Written exam on knowledges, application and critical judgement competences(65%): 6.5 of 10.
- Attendance and active participation (5%): 0.5 of 10.
- Exercises and papers prepared by the student and evaluated by the teacher along the semester: (30%): 3 of 10.