57802 - European Union Law

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will: - have a basic understanding of the complex European legal system, with reference to both the Community and intergovernmental components that characterise the second and third pillars of the Union. - will be familiar with the functions performed, within their respective areas of competence, by the Community and the Union, and the relationship between the supranational level and the legal systems of the Member States (with particular attention to the Italian system) - will be familiar with and able to apply the legal instruments of the Community and the Union, as well as the case law of the Court of Justice.

Course contents

The course aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the legal system of the European Union, analysing its evolution, institutional structure, system of competences, and the mechanisms for the creation and application of law.

Particular attention will be paid to the principles underpinning the EU legal order and the relationship between EU law and national legal systems, as well as to the role of the Court of Justice in shaping and developing the process of European integration.

A second part of the course will focus on the protection of fundamental rights within the European legal order, the concept of Union citizenship and the evolution of EU case law.

Through the analysis of case law and legislative acts of particular significance, the course will also examine some of the main challenges facing the European Union in the contemporary context, such as the digital transition, the protection of the rule of law, environmental sustainability, the regulation of international trade, the protection of personal data, artificial intelligence and the Union’s role on the international stage.

Readings/Bibliography

For students attending classes, materials will be provided in class.

For students not attending classes, the following texts are recommended:

S. Cafaro, B. Cortese, E. Chiti, Diritto dell'Unione europea, Il Mulino, 2025, Capitoli I-IX; XI-XII.

Alternatively,

G. Strozzi, R. Mastroianni, Diritto dell'Unione europea- Parte istituzionale, Giappichelli, ultima edizione, tutto.

Ror regular updates and further reading on the topics covered, we recommend consulting the following websites:

https://www.aisdue.eu/

https://www.aisdue.eu/blogdue

http://eurojus.it

Teaching methods

The lectures are designed to encourage critical discussion and interaction with students, with the aim of developing not only a theoretical understanding of European Union law, but also the ability to apply it in an informed and independent manner.

To this end, teaching methods include the use of guided questions during lectures to stimulate legal reasoning and active participation, including through dialogue.

Particular attention is paid to current European issues, which are addressed using material drawn from official sources (Commission communications, Council decisions, European Parliament acts) or from real-life cases that enable students to contextualise their theoretical knowledge within real-world scenarios.

Assessment methods

Full-time students

Learning outcomes will be assessed through two mid-term assessments.

To sit the mid-term assessment for each module, a minimum attendance of 70% of the hours for each module is required (21 hours out of 30).

For working students with documented family commitments, the minimum attendance threshold is set at 66% of the hours for each module (20 hours out of 30).

Non-attending students

Oral examination during the regular examination period.

 

Students with specific learning difficulties (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities: it is recommended that you contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) in good time and inform the lecturers of your requirements so that the examination arrangements can be agreed.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations and teaching materials provided during the course.

Office hours

See the website of Susanna Villani