The course will introduce the basics of the European Union and describe the processes of widening and deepening of this unique political entity. It will start with a look back at the genesis of this organization and present how cooperation between member states contributed to peaceful development on the continent unseen in the previous centuries. But the EU is defined and perceived largely through the prism of its institutions. Therefore we will also look at their roles in pushing the process of the European integration forward.Having looked at the factors contributing to the EU deepening we will try to find out what makes different countries apply for joining the EU and thus contribute to the EU widening. Furthermore the main European policies will be analyzed. We will start with the European environmental policy, which developed long before the European Community was given formal competences to deal with environmental pollution. Closely connected to this topic was the European transport policy, which has its origins in an attempt to limit air pollution in the cities. With the time, however, it has developed into an important industrial policy. During the course we will analyze how the transport policy is on one hand dealing with the challenge of keeping the constantly widening Union connected, while on the other how it helps to prepare its member states for the carbon-free era.During the course special attention will be given to two case studies: the impact of the economic crisis on the European integration and the European energy and climate policy. With an increasing economic disparity between the %E2%80%9CNorthern%E2%80%9D and the %E2%80%9CSouthern%E2%80%9D EU member states the crisis has posed the biggest threat to the European unity since the creation of the European Communities in the 1950s. During the course we will try to find out, whether this is only a temporary issue, similar to the problems the Union has already faced in the past, or a major turnaround, which may in the future lead to disintegration and renationalization of the European policies.The economic crisis has significantly reduced the EU level of ambition in the area of renewable energy and climate policy, areas in which the EU has for a long time been described as the leader. However, since the adoption of the Energy and Climate Package in 2009 the level of ambition of the European energy and climate policy has significantly decreased. During the course we will try to find out, whether this decrease in ambitions is only temporary or if the EU is becoming rather a laggard than a leader as far as renewable energy and climate policies are concerned.One of the last topics discussed will be the European foreign policy. In this regard Europe%E2%80%99s role as an international actor will be discussed with a special focus on the European relations with its biggest neighbor, Russia, and the crisis over Ukraine. We will finish the course with a look at the future development of the Union and the challenges it is facing in the rapidly changing world. Depending on the background and the interests of participants additional aspects of European integration can be included, where appropriate.

Course leader
Dr. Andrzej Ancygier

Target group
Students from different countries, academic levels and backgrounds who are generally interested in European integration will benefit from each other in an intercultural and interdisciplinary learning process. The course does not require special knowledge about European politics, law, history or culture, but participants should be interested in more than just their field of specialization. In-class participation, especially in the discussions with experts, is essential for the course success and plays an important role in grading.



Credits info
6 ECTS GRADING Participation: 40% Presentation: 30% Final Test: 30%The grade for participation will be determined by students' contribution to the discussions in class and during field trips.

Fee info
EUR 1350: Tuition EUR 250: Program fee

Freie Universit%C3%A4t Berlin
Address: FUBiS, Malteserstr. 74-100
Postal code: 12249
City: Berlin
Country: Germany
Website: http://www.fubis.org/
E-mail: fubis@fubis.org
Phone: +49-30-838 73472