82005 - Economics of the EU

Learning outcomes

The course is an introduction to the ECONOMICS and POLITICAL ECONOMY of the European Union. Special importance is given to the economic, political and institutional prerequisites of EU integration and enlargement – and to the consequences that integration and enlargement have on member states. Hence, students will become familiar with concepts and models of economics and political economy that are especially useful for understanding and evaluating these processes and the policies that accompany them. One third of the course is dedicated to the institutional and policies innovations adopted since 2008, during the Great Recession.

Course contents

During the course, the following broad topics will be examined:

• Theories of European economic integration and the evolution of the European integration process;
• The economic policies of the European Union;
• Economic and Monetary Union, the European Central Bank, and the economic governance of the Eurozone;
• The most recent challenges facing the European economy.

In addition, the course will discuss case studies and recent policy documents published by the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and leading international research institutions.

Readings/Bibliography

Baldwin, R., & Wyplosz, C., The Economics of European Integration, 7th Edition, McGraw-Hill (selected chapters).

De Grauwe, P., Economics of Monetary Union, 14th Edition, Oxford University Press (selected chapters).

Teaching methods

Lectures, Slides, Readings

Assessment methods

All students, except for outgoing Erasmus students, are required to attend at least 70% of classes.

There are two ways to take the exam:

• Mode A) Full participation: Students deliver and discuss an essay on a chosen topic.
  
  
• Mode B) Long test: Students will take a single, longer written test in a regular exam session.

Students may switch at any time from Mode A to Mode B (not viceversa).

Office hours

See the website of Jacopo Bonchi