GDCOO Training Module
The Future of Europe
Instructor: Esperanza Duran

MODULE DESCRIPTION

This module analyses the evolution of the European Union (EU) institutions and governance and their role in global politics. The module analyses EU responses to the 2008 financial collapse, the migration crisis, the rise of populism and the origin and effects of Brexit. Course participants will discuss the EU response to the migration crisis, Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic and their effects on the future of the EU integration process and relations with third countries.

METHODOLOGY

-Presentation: After a historical synopsis of the evolution of European integration and an examination of the main EU institutions, the key economic and political foundations of the EU will be analyzed. Similarly, the development of the EU as an international organization will be considered in the context of the international economic, financial and social changes of the last decade.

-Interactive Workshop: The impacts of globalization on the socio cultural and economic evolution of Europe, as well as the changes in lifestyle due to multiculturalism, economic constraints, growing unemployment and environmental awareness will be discussed in specific cases. Possible future trends will be identified by the participants under the direction of the instructor.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

-Better understanding of the evolution of the European integration process and challenges it has faced in advancing in this process.

-Identify the driving forces of EU enlargements (past and future).

-Comprehension of how several trends in the European political, economic, social and security spheres have developed and progressed or regressed and waned and what have been the forces behind these changes.

-Enable the analysis of the various layers of the European decision-making processes and the design of public policies.

-Informed speculation of the European post-COVID 19 development.

AUDIENCE

-This training module is aimed at government officials and diplomats, private sector executives and consultants, non-governmental organizations officers, public policy analysts and advisors, and international relations specialists. Attendance will be limited to 15 participants to allow discussion, group interaction and exchange of views.

DOCUMENTS

Training materials will include Power Point slides used during the lectures and workshop and PDF documents on European integration and institutions as well as scholarly articles on the subjects covered by the training module.