The key learning objective of this lecture with compulsory attendance is to provide students with a solid understanding of the history, functioning and today's challenges of the European Union.

The lecturer will present the content of the course by using a PowerPoint presentation, which will be shared with students. At the end of each session, students participate in an interactive wrap-up quiz allowing them to reinforce the content learned. In addition, students are invited to give presentations on a voluntary basis and engage actively in discussions.The lectures will be enriched by keynotes from distinguished experts from EU institutions and Austrian ministries:Ms Helga Berger (date of visit: 31.10.2024)Austrian Member, European Court of AuditorsMr Peter Kaiser (date of visit: 08.11.2024)Governor of the State of CarinthiaMs Martina Rattinger (date of visit: 08.11.2024)Head of the Representation of Carinthia in the EUMr Christian Wankmüller (date of visit: 08.11.2024)Scientific Advisor, Department of European and International Affairs, State of CarinthiaMr Matthäus Schuster (date of visit: 09.11.2024)Policy Advisor, EU Budget and International Budget Policy, Austrian Federal Ministry of FinanceMs Sabine Piska-Schmidt (date of visit: 09.11.2024)Head of Department Personnel Development & Mobility (incl. promotion of EU Careers), Austrian Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport

The lecture covers the following subjects:Major steps in the development of the EU and its institutions;Supporting pillars of the European legal order;EU’s decision-making procedures with a special focus on the ordinary legislative procedure;EU policies and funding programmes (e.g. Single Market, NextGenerationEU, etc.);Nature and content of the EU budgetThe role of the State of Carinthia in the EUPrinciples of the assessment of the economy, effectiveness, efficiency, legality and regularity of EU actions;Career opportunities within the institutions and other bodies of the EU.

There is no previous knowledge required for this course. However, a keen interest in the European project is preferable. Incoming students are very much welcomed to participate in the class.

For further reading (optional):Cini, M. and Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, N. (2022). European Union Politics. Seventh Edition. Oxford: Oxford University PressKenealy, D., Hadfield, A., et al. (2022). The European Union: How does it work?. Sixth Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press

The assessments for this course take place in the form of:Short interactive quizzes (40 credits =  40% of final grade)Final exam (60 credits = 60% of final grade)In addition, students may earn extra credit for giving a 15-minute (group) presentation and for active participation in the class.

Content of the lecture including the keynotes of the guest speakers.

In order to pass this class, students have toattend at least 60% of the teaching hours and participate in the majority of the quizzes (exceptions might apply if duly justified)achieve a total minimum score of 50 out of 100 credits (quizzes and final exam combined)