This course examines the history and politics of European integration, notably institutional development, decision-making procedures and dynamics, and policy formulation in the European Union (EU). The course deals first with the history of European integration, second with the
institutional politics of the EU, and third with the policy-making process. A significant part of the course is devoted to a discussion of the challenges the EU currently faces, ranging from the ongoing integration of new members, the so-called Brexit, internal dissensions, to the state of EU’s relations to the world. Topics may also include culture-related aspects of the EU, such as healthcare (including COVID-19), labor market organization, religion and secularism, immigration and integration, problems of accountability and legitimacy, questions of globalization and technology, and the American perception of the EU.