Prospectus

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European Union Law: The Four Freedoms

Course
2022-2023

Dutch students that have followed the 5 ECTS Course Europees Recht (BA II) will not receive credits for this course due to the material overlap.

Admission requirements

Background in law, preferably students are familiar with the basics of EU law (institutions, treaties, general principles)

Sufficient command of English (IELTS 6.5 or higher)

Description

The EU internal market is at the very heart of the European integration process. It comprises an area where the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is ensured. The fundamental freedoms will be studied through case-law of the European courts and their daily impact will be discussed: what are the consequences for natural and legal persons within the EU and how can their rights be protected? Can you establish yourself as a lawyer in other EU-Member States, can your family join, can your children get study grants? What are the rules behind French cheese, Belgian chocolate, Spanish wine and Swedish bread? These are just some of the issues which will be dealt with throughout this course. Students will acquire knowledge of EU substantive law and will learn to work with the EU treaties and secondary EU legislation. Students will learn to read and analyse cases from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and study some of its most important judgments

Course objectives

Objectives of the course

The objective of this course will be to introduce students to the EU free movement rules. At the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Interpret different sources of EU law on free movement, including primary and secondary law as well as case law in concrete cases

  • Apply different sources of EU law on free movement, including primary and secondary law as well as case law in concrete cases

  • Explain the basic principles underlying the EU internal market

  • Express a reasoned opinion on key concepts of the EU internal market in writing.

Achievement levels The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course: By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Solve practical cases

  • Construct a legal argument in writing

Timetable

Check MyTimetable.

Mode of instruction

Lectures

  • Number of (2 hour) lectures: 5

  • Names of lecturers: Vincent Delhomme

  • Required preparation by students: reading of materials prescribed on Brightspace.

Seminars

  • Number of (2 hour) seminars: 5

  • Names of instructors: Vincent Delhomme

  • Required preparation by students: reading of materials prescribed on Brightspace and preparation of the case studies provided for on Brightspace.

Assessment method

Examination form(s)

  • Written exam (100%). Students who fail the exam are entitled to sit a re-examination. Depending on the number of students failing the exam, the re-sit may take the form of an oral exam.

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.

Regulation retake passed exams
In this course it is possible to retake an exam that has been passed (cf. art. 4.1.8.1 and further of the Course and Examination Regulations). Students who have passed the exam may retake the final written assessment (test) of the course if they meet certain requirements. To retake a passed exam, students need to ask the Student Administration Office (OIC) for permission. For more information, go to 'course and exam enrollment' > 'permission for retaking a passed exam' on the student website.

Reading list

Obligatory course materials
Literature:

  • C. Barnard and S. Peers (eds), European Union Law, Oxford University Press, latest edition

Course information guide:

  • Available on Brightspace

Reader:

  • Course materials, will be made available on Brightspace.

Recommended course materials

  • Blackstone’s EU Treaties and Legislation, latest edition (Oxford University Press).

  • Essential EU Law in Charts (2nd Lisbon Edition) by C. Tobler and J. Beglinger (Budapest, latest edition)

Registration

Check the website under “course and exam enrollment” for information on how to register for the course.

Exchange students have priority and will be registered for the course first. Any remaining seats will be available for students from Leiden University and other Dutch Universities.

Contact information

Institution/division

  • Institute: Public Law

  • Department: European Law

  • Room number secretary: B. 1.11

  • Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00

  • Telephone number secretary: 071 – 527 3596

  • Email: europeesrecht@law.leidenuniv.nl

Remarks

In case of (corona)restrictions imposed by the government, this course description is subject to change.