Objectives of the course
The purpose of the course is to introduce the students to the rich case law and intricate jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice in the field of EU external relations, however limited the Court’s jurisdiction has been in this regard.
Short description of the course
This course takes as a point of departure the Treaty on European Union’s objective that the EU has to assert its identity on the international stage. It examines the differentiated constitutional framework within which the EU develops its external relations. For instance, it envisages the actors of EU external relations (EU, EC, Member States) understood as a complex legal system based on several sub-orders (the “pillars” of the EU); and decrypt the legal principles that underpin such a system, and which govern the interplays between its actors. It also analyses the instruments and policies of EU external relations and their legal effect within the EU and Member States’ legal orders respectively. In this context, the trade relations of the EU, particularly with the WTO, agreements with third countries such as Russia, and the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy are explored.
Achievement levels
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course: By the end of the course, students should be able to analyse critically the continuing development of the case law, and take part in academic discussions on the role and capabilities of the EU on the international stage. Moreover, several aspects of the course will also bring the students to examine and reflect on broader constitutional principles of the EU. During the course, students will of course be required thoroughly to familiarize themselves with the materials of the subject.
Coördinator
Name: Mr. Drs. L.B. Louwerse
Work address: KOG, Kamer B 1.32
Contact information: By phone or e-mail
Telephone number: 071 – 527 8591
E-mail: l.b.louwerse@law.leidenuniv.nl
Departement/division
Departement: Public Law
Division: Europa Institute
Room number secretariat: B1.19
Opening hours: 9.00 – 17.00
Telephone number secretariat: 071 – 527 7760
E-mail: f.p.oldenhof@law.leidenuniv.nl
Onderwijsvormen
Lectures
Number of (2 hour) lectures: 12
Names of lecturers: Prof. mr. C. Hillion
Required preparation by students: Students are required to read the material assigned for each week.
Seminars
Number of (2 hour) seminars: 8
Names of instructors: Mr. Drs. L.B. Louwerse
Required preparation by students: Students are required to prepare the assigned questions before each lecture.
Studiemateriaal
Obligatory course materials
Reader:
- Reader ‘The Union in the World’
_Recommended course materials _
P. Eeckhout, External Relations of the European Union,_ Oxford UP, 2004;
Daswhood and C. Hillion,_The General Law of EC External Relations, _Sweet & Maxwell, 2000;
McLeod, I. Hendry, & S. Hyett, The external relations of the European Communities, Clarendon Press, 1996. _
Koutrakos, P, EU International relations Law_, Hart Publishing, 2006
A selection of articles and book chapters is also included in the reader.
Toetsing
Examination form(s)
Extended Essay (25% of final grade), written exam (75% of final grade)
Areas to be tested within the exam
The examination syllabus consists of the required reading (literature) for the course, the course information guide and the subjects taught in the lectures, the seminars and all other instructions which are part of the course.
Ingangseis
Bachelor degree in law and sufficient knowledge in English. Students are advised to follow an EU law introductory course before enrolling in this seminar.
Rooster
The time table can be found at the following website: www.law.leidenuniv.nl
Digitale leeromgeving
This course uses Blackboard (digital learning environment).