5121 - EUROPEAN ECONOMIC POLICY

The course, composed of the three sections described below, aims at analysing the issues related to the process of European integration through a theoretical and a policy perspective.
Through the study of economic integration theories, students will be able to have a critical perspective on the basic issues leading to the development of the European Institutions and the different historical phases of the European Union, ultimately giving birth to the Economic and Monetary Union.

The first part of the course is devoted to the study of the different theories of economic integration, considering the market of goods (customs unions, free trade areas), of factors of production (common markets) and the co-ordination of economic policies (economic union). A link will be made between the theoretical instruments and the actual evolution of the European integration process.
The second part explores the main European Institutions and policies in their common objectives, instruments and financial means, and their evolution over time. A particular focus will be devoted to the policy changes introduced by the Amsterdam and Nice Treaties and as a consequence of the adoption of Agenda 2000. At this purpose, the enlargement of the Union and the EU external relations will also be analysed in detail.
The third part of the course is centred on the effects of the Economic and Monetary Union for the common economic policies and the European system of governance.

•  P. ROBSON, The Economics of International Integration, London, Routledge, 1998, 4th ed.

•  D. SWANN, The Economics of Europe, London, Penguin Books, 2000, 9th ed.

Additional notes/readings will be provided when dealing with specific topics covered in the programme.

For further and continuously updated information consult the IEP web site or contact S.I.D. - Servizio Informazione Didattica - Via Gobbi, 5 - 3rd floor.

Oral exam.