Regional Integration: The Case of the EU (LAWS70433)

The subject tackles one of the most interesting responses to globalisation, namely regional integration. Following an outline of its most prominent structures (e.g. NAFTA, MERCOSUR, ASEAN), it focuses on the deepest and most topical one, that is, the European Union (EU).

It provides an overview of its main constitutional and institutional structure, its main policies and its economic and political role in the world. It examines whether there is a distinct EU approach to regional integration and queries whether this may be transposed in other contexts.

The subject is topical and its approach contextual, as it

• Examines law in its wider political and economic context
• Explores the implications of the current economic and political crisis in Europe
• Places EU law within the increasingly interdependent globalised political and economic order.

The subject is taught by Panos Koutrakos, Professor of EU Law and Jean Monnet Professor of EU Law at the University of Bristol (UK), and joint editor of the European Law Review.

Principal topics will include:

• Regional integration as a legal and policy imperative
• The EU as a model of regional integration
• History, structure and institutions of the EU
• Interactions between the EU and national law
• The rights of individuals under EU law
• EU trade law
• The EU in the world
• Sanctions, terrorism, human rights and EU law.