B6203 - International Trade and Business Law from an EU Perspective

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to provide students with the analytical skills required to assess, evaluate and explain the rules and principles governing international trade and business operations from an EU perspective. Moreover, the course strives to support participants in developing a solid knowledge of the fundamentals of transnational business transactions and activities in the light of the international and EU legal framework. At the end of the course, students will be able to critically assess the legal and policy issues arising out the EU internal market, to navigate through the most compelling challenges confronting the multilateral trading system, and to deal with the legal issues arising out of crossborder business transactions.

Course contents

The first part of the course provides students with an in-depth introduction to the European Union internal market and its external dimension, examining the legal principles governing the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital, as well as the EU’s role as a global trade actor.

The second part introduces the fundamentals of European business law in an international context. It examines the regulatory framework governing cross-border commercial activity, with particular attention to uniform law and European Union legal instruments. The section also addresses dispute resolution mechanisms, with a focus on their role in ensuring legal certainty in international business transactions.

The third part focuses on the legal foundations of the multilateral trading system, with special emphasis on the rules and principles of WTO law. It also addresses current legal challenges arising from protectionist measures, the impact of tariffs and trade restrictions on commercial contracts involving EU businesses, and the strategies and legal remedies available to economic operators navigating an evolving global trade environment.

Readings/Bibliography

Paul Craig and Gráinne de Búrca, EU Law - Text, Cases, and Materials UK Version (8th ed., Oxford University Press, 2024): selected topics.

Michael J. Trebilcock, Joel Trachtman, Henry Braker, Advanced Introduction to International Trade Law (2nd edn, Elgar, 2020): selected topics.

Other materials and relevant cases will be provided during the course. Assignments for classes will be posted on a weekly basis.

Teaching methods

The class format will combine lecture-style introductions to a particular topic and (subsequent) discussions. Still, a Socratic method will primarily be adopted, and students are therefore expected to prepare for classes by reading in advance the materials assigned and to participate in class discussions on a regular basis.

Assessment methods

Student evaluation will be based primarily on two midterm exams, designed to assess comprehension of the key topics covered throughout the course.

Each midterm exam will include 11 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-ended essay questions. The grading scheme is as follows:

1. Multiple-choice questions:
   – 2 points for each correct answer
   – A penalty of 0.5 points for each incorrect or unanswered question

2. Open-ended essay questions:
   – Up to 4 points per question

Students who do not take or pass the midterm exams will be assessed through a final oral examination. During the oral exam, students will be asked three questions, each relating to a different topic covered in the course. Each response will be graded on a 0–10 scale.

Erasmus students who have regularly attended the course may opt to write a research essay on a topic assigned by the instructor as an alternative form of assessment.

Teaching tools

Teaching materials (slides, legal texts, decisions, documents, assignments) will be made available on Virtuale. Weekly wrap-ups will be also available online.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Ragno