Handbook

Understanding European Union (EU) law is essential for anyone interested in global business, public law, or international cooperation. The EU serves as a model for regional integration and impacts policies worldwide.

The European Union is one of the key players in the world in terms of trade. The Union engages in a number of social, legal, environmental, and political issues. This course provides valuable perspectives on how regional integration affects global trade, governance, and legal systems.

In this course you will explore the foundational principles and doctrines of EU law that underpin its role as a global leader in trade, diplomacy, and innovation. The EU’s relevance to international legal relations offers practical insights for navigating legal frameworks that influence global markets, including Europe’s key trading partners. Whether you are interested in comparative law, international business, or cross-border policy, an understanding of EU law is paramount.

You will develop an understanding of the EU’s legal and institutional structures, preparing you for careers in law, business, international relations, or public policy, especially for those working with or within the EU.

Specific topics covered from year to the next may vary, depending on the expertise of specific instructors, and will include areas such as:

• The internal market’s four freedoms—goods, services, capital, and persons,
• The EU's role in regulating competition and intellectual property,
• Social and environmental policies,
• Digital regulation (e.g., AI and data protection),
• The EU’s external relations in trade and foreign policy,
• Contemporary challenges such as Brexit, migration, and the rule of law