Introduction to the functioning of the European Union

This course intends to provide knowledge in the field of European studies.

Thus, in the course, you will learn about:

• the European institutions so that you can understand how decisions are made at the EU level;

• a little history of the European Union to perceive the context;

• how the EU differs from other international organizations;

• who works in the European institutions;

• the difficulty to return to national politics after working in the EU institutions;

• whether or not the European Union is guilty of stealing the sovereignty of the nation-states, and other aspects.

How will this course help?

The course which contains updated information helps in taking a step forward towards knowing both the European Union as an organization and the Europeans through the lens of their rights.

Information for passing the bachelor's or master's exams

This course presents information that is mostly found in the final examinations of undergraduate or master's university courses in the fields of European studies, political sciences, social sciences, communication, law, etc.

What you will know after completing the course?

You will be able to:

• recognize and describe the EU organizational form;

• comprehend the decision-making process (old codecision);

• be aware of the main functions of the EU institutions;

• identify the EU treaties and name their specificities in brief;

• recognize the role of national institutions in the decision-making process;

• identify the citizens' rights and tools to participate in the formulation of European policies;

• name and describe the EU's competencies (consumer policy; competition policy; monetary policy, etc.).

The course contains materials like figures, diagrams, and images to help you understand things better. The course materials can be downloaded at each lesson.

The course offers illustrations and information meant to help you pass the exams or simply to know more about the EU and understand its working methods, where the EU laws come from, and who are the EU employees.

Have fun learning!