European Union: Foundations and Institutions

📋 Course Outline

1. Economic scale and integration of the European Union
2. Historical development and constitutional foundations of European integration
3. The Single Market: freedoms, harmonisation, and integration challenges
4. Composition, political groups, and legislative functions of the European Parliament
5. Composition, appointment, and roles of the European Commission
6. Role and challenges of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
7. Functions and composition of the Court of Justice of the European Union
8. Advisory and financial institutions supporting EU policy and legislation

📖 1. Economic scale and integration of the European Union

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Single Market : The integrated European market that facilitates the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital among member states, supported by harmonisation of rules and standards.
• European Union : A political and economic union of European countries that forms the third largest economic area in the world, characterized by high levels of economic integration.
• European Economic and Governance Issues : The set of economic policies, integration processes, and governance structures that define the functioning and development of the EU.

📝 Essential Points