Environmental Policies in the European Union

DESCRIPTION:
The course discusses the EU environmental policy, the 7th Environment Action Programme to 2020 and the renewed Sustainable Development strategy as well as the integration of environmental issues in the decisions and activities of other policy sectors.

RATIONALE: 
EU Environmental policy is one of the success stories in the world. The analysis of the institutional framework of environmental policy in the EU will be attempted, also with the fundamental relationship between environmental policy and economic integration that represents an ongoing effort. Environmental policy challenges are examined in respect with environmental quality, nature protection, climate change, and sustainable consumption and production. Moreover, the course will consider the Renewed EU Sustainable Development Strategy and the economic environmental integration providing students with an understanding of the EU's policy-making role and also between EU actors and the international community.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
As a result of taking this course, the student should be able to:
1. Explain the process of environmental policy making in the EU, including the roles of the various stakeholders.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and rules that constitute EC Environmental policy making and key environmental issues.
3. Identify the interests of the key actors formulating European Community environmental policy and law, such as member states, institutions and interest-groups.
4. Examine the implementation and enforcement of European Community environmental law.
5. Evaluate and explain the success or failure of key policy paradigms within the EU and the future challenges and opportunities for EC environmental policies.
6. Develop ability for presenting and communicating in a written form through academic papers or orally though debates and presentations current and future environmental policies.

METHOD OFTEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the learning and teaching strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
• Class lectures, interactive learning (class discussions, group work), video presentations, and case studies discussed in class.
• Exercises and primary source documents are assigned as homework, the answers and critical response to which are reviewed in class
• Guest speakers
• Students’ projects and presentations.
• Textbook Web site.
• Office hours: students are encouraged to make full use of the office hours of their instructor, where they can ask questions, see their exam paper, and/or go over lecture/lab material. 

• Use of a blackboard site, where instructors post lecture notes, assignment instructions, timely announcements, as well as additional resources.