Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/eu-making-europe-work
In an era where global challenges often lead to a renewed focus on local solutions, understanding the intricacies of European Union policy has never been more crucial. The Coursera course, “EU policy and implementation: making Europe work!”, offers a deep dive into this complex landscape, providing learners with a thorough understanding of how policies are conceived, decided upon, and ultimately put into practice across member states.
From the outset, the course tackles fundamental questions about the effectiveness and perception of EU policy. It doesn’t shy away from the criticisms and the public’s preference for local policy solutions. Instead, it uses these points as a springboard to explore the entire policy lifecycle. The initial modules lay a strong foundation by introducing key concepts like policy, the policy process, and decision-making, highlighting the inherent imperfections that can arise at various stages.
The syllabus then meticulously guides learners through the EU’s multi-level governance structure. A significant portion is dedicated to EU decision-making, dissecting what can go wrong in the process of creating legal measures. The course examines the influence of sectoral interests and the pressures of time, both significant factors that can shape policy outcomes. It also thoughtfully places EU policy within its international context, acknowledging how global agreements can drive further European legislation.
A critical aspect explored is ‘Transposition’. This module delves into how EU directives are transformed into national legislation by member states, offering both legal and policy perspectives. The role of the European Commission in overseeing this process, acting as the ‘guardian of the treaties’, is also thoroughly analyzed, along with the preparation of delegated and implementing acts.
The ‘Implementation’ week is particularly insightful, focusing on the reasons behind policy success and failure. It introduces various theories that address systemic features like time, capacity, and culture, as well as institutional and behavioral factors. The challenges posed by the involvement of regional and local governments in implementing EU policy are also a key discussion point, underscoring the complexities of multi-level governance.
Finally, the course culminates in ‘Redesigning EU Policymaking’. This forward-looking module reflects on potential improvements and current discussions in Brussels regarding policy reform. It introduces the European Commission’s Better Regulation Agenda and explores avenues for change, including closing the policy cycle, embracing experimentation, and decentralizing policymaking power.
Overall, “EU policy and implementation: making Europe work!” is an exceptionally well-structured and informative course. It manages to demystify a topic often perceived as opaque, providing clear explanations and engaging content. The instructors effectively break down complex processes into digestible modules, making it accessible to a broad audience, from students and academics to policymakers and engaged citizens.
**Recommendation:** I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of how the EU functions as a policy-making entity. It is particularly valuable for those interested in European studies, public administration, international relations, and anyone wanting to critically assess the impact of EU policies on the ground. It equips learners with the knowledge to not only understand current policies but also to critically engage with discussions about their future.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/eu-making-europe-work