326-424 Doing Business in the European Union

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Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• demonstrate a knowledge of why the European Union (EU) was formed and how and why its purpose and membership has changed over time;

• demonstrate a knowledge of the problems in achieving economic and political integration;

• demonstrate a knowledge of the policy environment within which business is conducted in the EU;.

• demonstrate a knowledge of how EU policies affect trade and investment.

Content:

The European Union (EU) is the world's largest trading bloc and accounts for a large portion of international investment. The last decade has seen a marked acceleration in the degree of economic integration of member countries, with the decision to complete the internal market and to form an economic and monetary union. Membership of the Union has also increased. This subject examines the nature of these changes and explains their consequences for businesses within and outside of the Union. It first analyses the establishment of, and subsequent changes in, the EU and its constituent economies. It then analyses the evolution and effects of a variety of EU policies which impinge on the way business is conducted. The policies examined are monetary, regional, social, agricultural, industrial, competition and external trade. The subject also considers the evolving relationship between the EU and other economies, notable the USA and Japan.

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