| CODE | EST3020 | ||||||
| TITLE | European Union Trade Policy | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 2 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | European Studies | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This unit aims to provide a detailed analysis of European economic integration. It builds on the introductory economics obtained in the first year of the course. The unit includes both the theoretical aspect of economic integration as well as its implementation in practice in Europe. Thus, different forms of integration from customs union to the single market and to economic and monetary union are examined. Important EU economic policy areas are also reviewed. The unit aims to enable students to understand the rationale for economic integration and the economic consequences, especially on economic policy making. Students The study-unit is a compulsory unit for Bachelor of European Studies/Honours students and an elective unit for B. Communications students and Law students taking European Studies as a subsidiary area. The unit is of particular relevance to students with an interest in EU economic matters. Learning Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding By the end of the study unit, the student will be able to: - Distinguish the different possible forms of economic integration; - Analyse the costs and benefits of different stages of economic integration; - Describe the policy implications of economic integration; - Examine the theory of economic and monetary integration to the European context; - Discuss the rationale for EU policies in specific economic areas. Skills By the end of the study unit, the student will be able to: - Apply economic theories to the process of economic integration in the EU; - Appreciate the rationale for economic integration in the EU; - Analyse the debate on European integration with improved economic tools. Attendance: Class attendance is obligatory. Students are not allowed to be absent unless they have a valid reason for being so (such as being sick). Should a student miss several lectures, without having a valid justification, the student may be barred from sitting for the exam. The following topics will be covered: • What is Economic Integration? - Definition of economic integration - Economic integration and the World Trade Organisation - The global experience - Overview of the European economy • The Theory of Economic Integration - The customs union - Customs union vs free trade area - Economic unions - Macroeconomics of integration • The EU Single Market - The rationale for the Single Market - The economics of non-tariff barriers - The development of the EU Single Market - Services market integration - Internal Market for Network Industries - Factor mobility in the EU – labour market; capital movements • EU Monetary Integration - Theory of monetary integration - The development of EU economic and monetary integration - The operation of Economic and Monetary Union • Selected EU Economic Policies - The economic rationale for EU competition policy - Competitiveness policy – the Lisbon Strategy and Europe 2020 - Tax harmonisation Reading List: Suggested Textbooks and Readings - El-Agraa, Ali (2007) 'The European Union Economics and Policies', Cambridge University Press, 8th Edition - Pelkmans, Jacques (2006) ' European Integration Methods and Economic Analysis', Pearson Education Limited, 3rd Edition - Artis, Mike & Nixson, Frederick (2007), 'The Economics of the European Union', Oxford University Press, 4th Edition Additional reading material from - European Commission website; journals and newspaper articles. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Students are required to register for Level 1 units if they are in Year 1, for Level 2 units if they are in Year 2 and for Level 3 units if they are in Year 3 or 4 of their course. Students are also required to have a sound Economics background, i.e. Macro/ Micro/Trade Theory/International Economics. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Moira Catania |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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