Class European Economy

The course aims for students to acquire knowlege about the European integration process, its history and evolution, its theoretical economic foundations and impact, particularly for Portugal. Based on prior knowledge in economics, students are expected to understand the European reality and analyze and discuss its main challenges and opportunities in a context of globalization and geopolitical changes.

Not applicable

Presentation   1. Yhy study the European economy?   2. Get to know the European Union (EU): History, Intitutions, Legislation and Decision-Making Process. History of the EU and phases of European integration. Institutions and decision making. Yhe EU budget. Facts, challenges and priorities.   3. The European Single Market (ESM) Economic fundamentals, barriers and opportunities. History and characteristics of the ESM. Policies underlying the ESM. Impact of ESM.   4. The Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) Bref Review of Monetary Economics. Optimal currency areas. History and characteristics of EMU. Fiscal policy and Stability and Growth Pact. Euro Crisis and Banking Union.   5. Economic and social cohesion in the EU.   6. Portugal's experience in the EU and in the Euro.   7. The EU in the world: current and future challenges. EU priorities 2019-2024. Globalization and competitiveness. Other challenges.  

The course combines expository and active methods, which include exposing students to the history, rationale and characteristics of European integration, a well as actively involving students in the preparation and presentation in class of a relevant topic on the European economy. Students will have the opportunity to have a research experience that ends with a presentation in class, allowing them to enhance the discovery of topics, retention of knowledge and application of the concepts learned to practical cases. Additionally, students will have to understand economic articles, which require the use of knowledge obtained during the degree, promoting the ability to analyze and discuss.

Baldwin, R. and C. Wyplosz, The Economics of European Integration, McGraw Hill