European Studies

Practical information:

·	This is a programme minor.

·	Own website of the minor.

·	Information brochure of the minor in PDF.

·	Responsible faculty: MB.

Minor team:

·	Reussing, dr. G.H. (co-ordinator)

·	Nobel, M.J. de

Special information:

·	This minor is taught in English only.

·	Until and including the academic year 2006-2007, this minor was the "themaminor" Europese Studies (in Dutch).

Short description of content:

It is impossible to ignore 'Europe'. The European Union is the axis of European integration and is central in this minor, too. The impact of the EU on the economic relations of the member states is evident, especially since the introduction of the Euro. The EU is also one of the world's most powerful trading blocks. European law has developed into an independent field Candidate countries have to adjust to some 80.000 pages of acquis communautaire - the entire collection of decisions taken in the EU context. Many of these pages will play a role in whatever the job you are going to get. Meanwhile, integration continues. And so does the debate around it. Power Politics has achieved new forms in the complex structure of multilevel governance. The EU has a strong say in policy-making about agriculture, transportation, health care, security, the environment, education, patent law and technological developments. Widely diverging national legislation of the member states is being harmonised in many issue areas. The size and colour of bananas allowed on the market is regulated through the EU. But also, crucial decisions about war and peace are made in the context of international organisations, Nevertheless, a lot of power is still in the hands of national governments. Co-operation is often impossible because of national traditions; for this reason, a EU welfare system, e.g., is still far beyond the horizon.

The minor European Studies provides an introduction to comparative analysis to see through such national differences. You can also choose this minor to practice your English: all courses are taught in English and are attended by Bachelor students from the Netherlands, Germany and various other countries.