Course content

What is the economic logic behind progressive steps in European economic integration, from a free trade area to the internal market and monetary union? To what extent did EU member states’ economies converge or diverge over time? To what extent can the European sovereign debt crisis be attributed to flaws in the original construction of the Economic and Monetary Union? In short, what can a political economy perspective add to our understanding of the contemporary nature and challenges of European integration?

The course aims to introduce students to key aspects of the political economy of EU integration. It first examines the political economy of European economic integration with a particular emphasis on its trade, monetary and capital dimensions. It then discusses the various forms of capitalism existing in the EU and assesses the degree of economic convergence that resulted from European integration. It finally concludes with an examination of the euro-crisis, its origins, development and the increased differentiation in integration that it brought about.

Learning outcome

Knowledge
Students will
- gain a basic knowledge and understanding of the main historical and contemporary political economy issues of European integration,
- have a deepened understanding of the domestic economic changes resulting from European economic and policy integration and of the challenges of economic convergence/divergence within the EU
- be familiar with the varieties of capitalist economies in Europe and how they affect economic integration in Europe.

Skills
Students will be able
- to form balanced and critical assessments of the role of economics in the evolutionary process of European integration and of economic questions arising from the process of integration,
- to apply their knowledge and conduct independent empirical research in European political economy to design and write a policy paper

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, with active student participation.

Compulsory assignments

• Term paper/persentation

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor's degree in European Studies and Foreign Languages or equivalent approved education.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

Available at the start of the semester.

Credit reductions