Policies of the European Union
Course Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chan Lean Heng
Course Objectives
- To understand the origin and development of each of the selected common policy
- To familiarize with the implementation and functioning of each of the common policy for discussion in the course
- To discuss the impact and influence of each of the selected policy
- To compare policy-making between Malaysia and the EU
- To discern lessons and insights from the experience of developing common policies in the EU
The course provides an overview of how certain common policies of the UE originate, are formulated and implemented against the historical background and legal framework of the EU. It does so by examining how the UE decision-making structure works, including the balance of power between the institutions, the Member States and the various stakeholders within European society at large.
The course will begin with an account and analysis of the EU policy-processes including a comparison with Malaysia. Differences between a common policy and a policy field will be highlighted. For each of the selected policy the origin and history of its formation including the legal and political contexts will be thoroughly dealt with. The implementation framework together with its respective decision-making procedures, and its administrative and financing aspects will be addressed. The various impact, implications and consequences of the policy as experienced in the different member states will also be examined.
The policies selected for discussion in this course is based on its relevance and interest to Malaysians and can be changed from year to year. At least three of the existing seventeen common policies will be covered each year. Some of these policies are the common agricultural policy, social and employment policy, environment policy, consumer protection and health, cooperation in justice and internal affairs, small and medium sized enterprises, education, vocational training and youth, policy for research and technological development, and industrial policy.