KETU 2325 - Negotiating and implementing the Green Deal: the example of the EU Nature Restoration Law

The main objective of this course is to explain, through 5 simulation exercises, how

negotiations are led at the EU level and what are the key steps for drafting, agreeing,

approving and finally implementing a key text of the European Green Deal: the Nature

Restoration Regulation.

The class will be highly interactive (focusing on oral debates in small groups) and will

follow a hands-on approach. The aim is to examine the different steps of the negotiation,

the involvement of the relevant institutions (i.e. European Commission, European

Parliament, Council of the European Union) active in the process and finally how the

regulations will be implemented at national level by the member states.

The class will provide an in-depth understanding about how the EU works in practice and

will give to each student key negotiation tips, useful for their future professional career.

Personal involvement for preparing the debates and intensive group work are expected.

Students are expected to have a knowledge or at least an interest in European Union (EU)

Affairs, and how the main EU institutions (European Commission, European Parliament,

Council of the EU) are functioning.

They should be interested in how to negotiate at EU level and be keen to debate orally alone

and in group. As the class will focus on a key regulatory text of the European Green Deal (eg.

The EU Nature Restoration Law), a prerequisite or a curiosity in Environment/Biodiversity

issues is most welcome.

Having done an internship or willing to do an internship (or work) in an EU institution or a

consultancy related to EU Affairs and Environment would be an asset.

Key documents and instructions will be stored on a Google drive, accessible to all students of the class.

The validation mode will include one single mark involving the following exercises:

• 4-5 oral presentations done in group of 3-4 students (quality of arguments, negotiation

skills) – 60% of the final score

• 1 individual written final paper (quality of the structure and style, follow-up of the

guidelines and respect of the deadline) – 30% of the final score

• overall participation in class (regular attendance, improvement and participation during

the semester) – 10% of the final score

Before each class, students will prepare a specific oral presentation (1 individual and 4

in group at least). For these presentations, the students are expected to do some research

(articles, web, videos, interviews), meet regularly with the group, draft position papers or

amendments and intervene orally during the class on behalf of his/her group.

A Chair and a rapporteur will be appointed for each simulation exercise. Each group will

speak on behalf of his/her position/role (identify which interest you must defend / represent).

The aim is to raise a consensus at the end of the class.

For each session, preparatory work in group is compulsory. As this course focuses on EU

negotiations, most of the readings will be articles, briefings, draft regulatory texts, news and

videos. Some indications will be given by the teacher, but personal research done by the

students on a pro-active basis is highly recommended. Moreover, contacting actors at EU

level for interviews (by phone or email) will be an asset.