OAFP 9390 - EU Trade Policy in Practice: Trends and Challenges

►The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive overview of EU trade policy today and the challenges it faces, combining historical, economic, legal and policy perspectives. To do so, in a first block, students will learn about the fundamentals underlying EU trade policy making: economic theories on international trade, the legal and institutional framework in which EU policy operates, including the WTO, GATT, and FTAs, as well as the European Union’s role in international trade through its trade policy-making process and the impact of the Union’s legislation on trade, such as the instruments like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Within a second block, a series of concrete thematic sessions related to agriculture, environmental sustainability, and development are examined, alongside the EU’s approach to green trade initiatives and sustainable development goals. The course also delves into the roles of global powers such as China and the USA in shaping contemporary international trade dynamics and challenges for the EU in particular. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically assess global trade issues, the role of international institutions, and the implications of trade policies worldwide.

► Understanding of the functioning of EU institutions

►Before each session, students should check the syllabus and prepare the course reading material. Students are expected to follow political news with particular attention to international trade and economic policy.

►The course is designed as an interactive lecture course that combines input from the instructors with class discussions, student presentations and a small exchange on weekly news items on international trade topics.

► Group Presentation (groups of 2-3): 30% of the final grade / Final Paper: 30% of the final grade / in-class multiple-choice exam : 30% / Participation and Simulation : 10%

► During the first session, students are provided with detailed explanations on the expected deliverables, formal requirements and grading criteria. Please refer to the PowerPoint presentation available on Moodle for these details.

Before each session, students should check the syllabus and prepare the course reading material. Students are expected to follow political news with particular attention to international trade and economic policy.