Multilevel Governance and Europeanization

Recommended Prerequisites

To know the political system of the European Union, its institutions, decision-making processes and political competences.  

Teaching Methods

The curricular unit combines lecture-based classes, designed to give students the fundamental conceptual and analytical tools, with practical classes (problem-based learning), designed to foster students' active learning through in depth analysis of case studies and problem thinking and/or solving practical exercises. The goal is to build students' confidence and ability to address different types of practical exercises, while expanding their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide students with sound knowledge of the most important theoretical, empirical and normative debates on MLG and Europeanization within and beyond the EU; enhance students’ critical understanding of EU MLG and process of Europeanization; highlight the role of subnational authorities in the EU MLG; stimulate active class participation and students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills

 

At the end of the semester students should be able to:

1. Identify and discuss the main strengths and weaknesses of MLG approach

2. Understand the EU as a multi-level system of governance

3. Understand and explain the relation between MLG and Europeanization

4. Identify and understand different dimensions of the process of Europeanization

5. Understand and engage in debates on institutional, policy, democratic and legitimacy challenges resulting from EU MLG system and Europeanization

6. Acknowledge the existence of different models of MLG beyond the EU.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. The governance approach to the EU

2. Multilevel governance theorization

3. The advantages and pitfalls of MLG

4. Europeanization: conceptualization and processes

5. Multilevel governance and Europeanization beyond the EU

6. In depth analysis: the role of regional and subnational authorities in the EU

7. MLG and Europeanization in practice: Regional Policy

8. Hot topics in the EU agenda: case studies.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 40.0%
Research work: 60.0%

Bibliography

Agranoff, R. (2018). Local Governments in Multilevel Governance. Lexington Books.

Bachtler, J. et al. (2019). Towards Cohesion Policy 4.0. Structural Transformation and Inclusive Growth. Taylor and Francis.  

Enderlein, H. et al. (Eds.). (2011). Handbook on Multi-level Governance. Edward Elgas Publishing.

Hooghe, L., & Marks, G. (2000). Multilevel Governance and European Integration. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

Ladrech, R. (2010). Europeanization and national politics. Palgrave Macmillan.

Pazos-Vidal, S. (2019). Subsidiarity and EU Multilevel Governance: Actors, Networks and Agendas. Routledge.

Pinto, A., & Teixeira, N. (2017). A Europeização da Democracia Portuguesa. Instituto de Ciências Sociais.

Piattoni, S., & Polverari, L. (Eds.). (2016). Handbook on Cohesion Policy in the EU. Edward Elgar Publishing.

Spoon, J. J., & Ringe, N. (Eds.). (2020). The European union and Beyond: Multi-level Governance, Institutions, and Policy-making. ECPR Press.