Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
European Union Law
Course Code
JF_398
Branch of Science
Law
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Juridical Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Marta Urbāne
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Kuldīgas iela 9c, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of the legal system of the European Union, covering the institutional structure and its main substantive legal aspects. The course develops an understanding of the application of EU law, its impact on the legal systems of the Member States and the importance of the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Preliminary Knowledge
General secondary education, Constitutional Law, Legal Theory, Administrative Law.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Describes the historical development of EU law and explains the interaction of EU law with the national law of EU Member States.
Individual work and tests
EU Law Theory Review Test 1.part • Exam
2.Defines the system of European Union institutions, their main functions and basic principles of decision-making.
Individual work and tests
EU Law Theory Review Test 1.part • Exam • Development of the EU institutional framework game
3.Name and describe the sources of European Union law, their hierarchy and application mechanisms.
Individual work and tests
Simulation of the ECJ process • Exam • EU Law Theory Review Test 1.part
4.Explains the structure and main procedural competences of the Court of Justice of the European Union, including preliminary rulings and infringement procedures.
Individual work and tests
EU Law Theory Review Test 1.part • Exam • Development of the EU institutional framework game • Simulation of the ECJ process
5.Describes the fundamental principles of the EU as a constitutional legal system, including the principles of loyalty, subsidiarity and the protection of human rights.
Individual work and tests
Debate on EU legislative developments • Exam • EU Law Theory Review Test Part 2
6.Classifies and characterizes the main areas of EU substantive law: internal market freedoms, EU citizenship, area of freedom, security and justice, competition law and state aid control.
Individual work and tests
EU Law Theory Review Test Part 2 • Exam
Skills
1.Analyzes the role of European Union institutions in the decision-making process and applies knowledge to explain the interaction between these institutions.
Individual work and tests
Development of the EU institutional framework game • Simulation of the ECJ process • Exam • Case studies
2.Interprets various sources of EU law and applies them to simple legal situations.
Individual work and tests
Case studies • Analysis of the EU Court of Justice ruling • Simulation of the ECJ process • Exam • Debate on EU legislative developments
3.Apply knowledge of the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the EU to identify the most appropriate procedure for resolving a specific legal issue.
Individual work and tests
Exam • Simulation of the ECJ process • Development of the EU institutional framework game • Case studies
4.Evaluates the application of EU constitutional principles and analyses their impact on the actions and obligations of Member States.
Individual work and tests
Case studies • Exam • Analysis of the EU Court of Justice ruling • Debate on EU legislative developments
5.When resolving case studies, the acquired knowledge of EU substantive law is applied to determine the relevant legal provisions and formulate legal arguments.
Individual work and tests
Exam • Case studies
Competences
1.Uses EU case law, independently applies sources of EU law to resolve various conflict situations, uses knowledge of the EU law to substantiate their views in debates and discussions.
Individual work and tests
Exam • Case studies • Debate on EU legislative developments
2.Independently navigates the legal system of the European Union and is able to reasonably assess its impact on the legal systems of Latvia and other member states.
Individual work and tests
Analysis of the EU Court of Justice ruling • Analysis of current issues in EU law • Case studies • Exam
3.Integrates knowledge and skills to reasonedly analyze legal problems related to the application of EU law and make sound decisions in simple situations.
Individual work and tests
Exam • Simulation of the ECJ process • Case studies • Analysis of current issues in EU law • Debate on EU legislative developments
4.Demonstrates understanding of the development and importance of EU law within a democratic state governed by the rule of law, as well as takes responsibility for their opinion in a legally reasoned discussion.
Individual work and tests
Simulation of the ECJ process • Exam
5.Precisely formulates and clearly expresses legal conclusions orally and in writing, using appropriate legal terminology, as well as participates in discussions on issues of European Union law in an argumentative manner.
Individual work and tests
Exam • Simulation of the ECJ process • Debate on EU legislative developments
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Analysis of the EU Court of Justice ruling |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The student selects one judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union or the General Court and prepares a short analysis describing the factual situation of the case, the legal problem raised, the legal provisions applied by the Court and the legal conclusions drawn. The analysis should also include an assessment of the significance of the judgment in relation to the EU legal system or the application of the laws of the Member States. The work should be formatted in accordance with academic writing standards. |
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|
2.
Analysis of current issues in EU law |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The student selects one current scientific or expert article on an issue of European Union law (e.g. recent judgments, legislative initiatives, constitutional crises, competition law, etc.). Based on the selected source, the student prepares a short analysis, which outlines the nature of the problem, the legal context and the main arguments put forward by the respective author. The results must be presented orally in class (10–15 minutes presentation), clearly formulating questions for discussion. The student is responsible for leading the discussion, involving colleagues and encouraging an exchange of views on the analyzed topic. The task develops the ability to critically analyze issues of EU law, use expert opinions and participate in legal discussions in an argumentative manner. |
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|
3.
Case studies |
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|
-
|
|
Students individually or in small groups solve practical cases based on specific topics of the study course (e.g. justification of restrictions on freedoms, application of EU law in the courts of the Member States, violations of state aid or competition law, etc.). During the work, students identify applicable legal norms, analyze facts and provide legally sound solutions. Cases are discussed in classes, where students present their solution and participate in the discussion. The task develops skills in applying EU legal norms in practice and in arguing about legal solutions. |
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4.
Development of the EU institutional framework game |
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|
Test
|
|
Studenti grupās izstrādā un vada interaktīvu spēli par vienu no ES institūcijām (piemēram, Komisiju, Parlamentu, Padomi, Tiesu u.c.). Spēles mērķis ir radošā veidā nostiprināt zināšanas par konkrētās institūcijas uzbūvi, funkcijām un lomu ES sistēmā. |
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5.
Simulation of the ECJ process |
-
|
Test
|
|
Students will participate in or watch simulated proceedings of the Court of Justice of the European Union. The simulation is based on a real and up-to-date court judgment. Students in simulation: Represent the Commission or the Government of Malta as legal representatives; Take up the role of judges or Advocate General; Will participate in the legal argumentation, the presentation of counter-arguments and the formulation of the judgment. The purpose of the simulation is to deepen the understanding of the content of Union citizenship, the competence of member states in matters of citizenship and infringement procedures in the European Union. |
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6.
Debate on EU legislative developments |
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|
Test
|
|
A debate is a conversation at a set time, in which two teams (affirmative and negative) of three people participate. The debate is judged by one or more debate judges. The goal of the debate is to convince the judges of the superiority of their arguments over those of their opponents. Each team must be ready to defend both the affirmative and negative opinions on the topic being debated. All students must prepare for the debate by preparing both affirmative and negative arguments. The rules and procedure for the debate are posted in E-studija. |
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
EU Law Theory Review Test 1.part |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students take an electronic review test with 20 multiple-choice questions on EU institutional law (institutions, competences, decision-making, legislative process). The test is designed to consolidate theoretical knowledge and can be taken multiple times until the specified deadline. A summary of the results is provided after each attempt. |
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|
2.
EU Law Theory Review Test Part 2 |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students take an online test with 20 multiple-choice questions on the main areas of EU substantive law: the internal market and the four freedoms, EU citizenship, the area of freedom, security and justice, competition law and state aid control. The test is designed to consolidate knowledge and can be taken multiple times until the specified date. A summary of the results is provided after each attempt. |
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|
3.
Exam |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The exam consists of two parts. In the first part, the student answers two theoretical questions in writing, demonstrating an understanding of the institutional and substantive aspects of the European Union legal system. In the second part, the student must solve a case, identifying the applicable EU legal provisions, analyzing the legal problem and providing a reasoned solution. The exam assesses the student's ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction: historical development of the formation of the European Union (EU).
Description
The topic provides an overview of the historical development of the creation of the European Union, from the emergence of the idea of integration after World War II to the modern EU. The main founding treaties (Paris, Rome, Maastricht, Amsterdam, Nice, Lisbon), the stages of institutional development, the enlargement process and the political and economic motives for integration are examined. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Sources of the EU law.
Description
Types and hierarchy of legal acts, the generally binding nature of the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU, methods of interpretation, including in relation to international agreements that the EU has accepted and that have been accepted only by the Member States. Application of EU law in the courts of the Member States (primacy of EU law, direct and indirect effect, principles of effectiveness and equivalence, State liability for breach of EU law). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Sources of the EU law.
Description
Types and hierarchy of legal acts, the generally binding nature of the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU, methods of interpretation, including in relation to international agreements that the EU has accepted and that have been accepted only by the Member States. Application of EU law in the courts of the Member States (primacy of EU law, direct and indirect effect, principles of effectiveness and equivalence, State liability for breach of EU law). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The EU institutional system
Description
The EU institutional system (the main EU institutions, the principles of their composition, decision-making, the main competences of the institutions, the fundamental principles of the EU legislative process, the role of the governments, parliaments, courts and citizens of the Member States in the EU). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
EU judicial system.
Description
The structure and main competences of the Court of Justice of the EU (Court of Justice and General Court) (preliminary ruling procedure, infringement procedure against a Member State, challenging the legality of EU acts before the Court of Justice and the General Court, including subjects and conditions for the emergence of the right to challenge), the concept and scope of the exclusive competence of the Court of Justice of the EU. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
EU judicial system.
Description
The structure and main competences of the Court of Justice of the EU (Court of Justice and General Court) (preliminary ruling procedure, infringement procedure against a Member State, challenging the legality of EU acts before the Court of Justice and the General Court, including subjects and conditions for the emergence of the right to challenge), the concept and scope of the exclusive competence of the Court of Justice of the EU. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
EU law as a constitutional legal system and its principles
Description
Competences of the Union and the Member States, the principle of sincere cooperation, the principle of subsidiarity, common values of the Union Human rights in the EU (the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the status of the European Convention on Human Rights and the EU's accession to the Convention). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
EU law as a constitutional legal system and its principles
Description
Competences of the Union and the Member States, the principle of sincere cooperation, the principle of subsidiarity, common values of the Union Human rights in the EU (the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the status of the European Convention on Human Rights and the EU's accession to the Convention). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The single market of the European Union.
Description
The EU single market and its four fundamental freedoms (basic concepts, types and characteristics of state measures, schemes for assessing restrictions on freedoms and their justifications). EU citizenship (concept and legal basis, citizens' rights, interaction with national citizenship and EU single market rights). EU area of freedom, security and justice (principle of mutual trust, presumption of equal protection, third-country nationals); Principles of the Data Protection Regulation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The single market of the European Union.
Description
The EU single market and its four fundamental freedoms (basic concepts, types and characteristics of state measures, schemes for assessing restrictions on freedoms and their justifications). EU citizenship (concept and legal basis, citizens' rights, interaction with national citizenship and EU single market rights). EU area of freedom, security and justice (principle of mutual trust, presumption of equal protection, third-country nationals); Principles of the Data Protection Regulation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The single market of the European Union.
Description
The EU single market and its four fundamental freedoms (basic concepts, types and characteristics of state measures, schemes for assessing restrictions on freedoms and their justifications). EU citizenship (concept and legal basis, citizens' rights, interaction with national citizenship and EU single market rights). EU area of freedom, security and justice (principle of mutual trust, presumption of equal protection, third-country nationals); Principles of the Data Protection Regulation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The single market of the European Union.
Description
The EU single market and its four fundamental freedoms (basic concepts, types and characteristics of state measures, schemes for assessing restrictions on freedoms and their justifications). EU citizenship (concept and legal basis, citizens' rights, interaction with national citizenship and EU single market rights). EU area of freedom, security and justice (principle of mutual trust, presumption of equal protection, third-country nationals); Principles of the Data Protection Regulation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
EU competition law.
Description
Prohibition of unlawful state aid (basic concepts, consequences of non-compliance with the state aid coordination procedure) and basic principles of competition law (prohibition of prohibited agreements and abuse of dominant position: basic concepts, peculiarities of interpretation, interaction with national law). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
EU competition law.
Description
Prohibition of unlawful state aid (basic concepts, consequences of non-compliance with the state aid coordination procedure) and basic principles of competition law (prohibition of prohibited agreements and abuse of dominant position: basic concepts, peculiarities of interpretation, interaction with national law). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
EU competition law.
Description
Prohibition of unlawful state aid (basic concepts, consequences of non-compliance with the state aid coordination procedure) and basic principles of competition law (prohibition of prohibited agreements and abuse of dominant position: basic concepts, peculiarities of interpretation, interaction with national law). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
EU competition law.
Description
Prohibition of unlawful state aid (basic concepts, consequences of non-compliance with the state aid coordination procedure) and basic principles of competition law (prohibition of prohibited agreements and abuse of dominant position: basic concepts, peculiarities of interpretation, interaction with national law). |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction: historical development of the formation of the European Union (EU).
Description
The topic provides an overview of the historical development of the creation of the European Union, from the emergence of the idea of integration after World War II to the modern EU. The main founding treaties (Paris, Rome, Maastricht, Amsterdam, Nice, Lisbon), the stages of institutional development, the enlargement process and the political and economic motives for integration are examined. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction: historical development of the formation of the European Union (EU).
Description
The topic provides an overview of the historical development of the creation of the European Union, from the emergence of the idea of integration after World War II to the modern EU. The main founding treaties (Paris, Rome, Maastricht, Amsterdam, Nice, Lisbon), the stages of institutional development, the enlargement process and the political and economic motives for integration are examined. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Sources of the EU law.
Description
Types and hierarchy of legal acts, the generally binding nature of the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU, methods of interpretation, including in relation to international agreements that the EU has accepted and that have been accepted only by the Member States. Application of EU law in the courts of the Member States (primacy of EU law, direct and indirect effect, principles of effectiveness and equivalence, State liability for breach of EU law). |
|
The EU institutional system
Description
The EU institutional system (the main EU institutions, the principles of their composition, decision-making, the main competences of the institutions, the fundamental principles of the EU legislative process, the role of the governments, parliaments, courts and citizens of the Member States in the EU). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
EU judicial system.
Description
The structure and main competences of the Court of Justice of the EU (Court of Justice and General Court) (preliminary ruling procedure, infringement procedure against a Member State, challenging the legality of EU acts before the Court of Justice and the General Court, including subjects and conditions for the emergence of the right to challenge), the concept and scope of the exclusive competence of the Court of Justice of the EU. |
|
The single market of the European Union.
Description
The EU single market and its four fundamental freedoms (basic concepts, types and characteristics of state measures, schemes for assessing restrictions on freedoms and their justifications). EU citizenship (concept and legal basis, citizens' rights, interaction with national citizenship and EU single market rights). EU area of freedom, security and justice (principle of mutual trust, presumption of equal protection, third-country nationals); Principles of the Data Protection Regulation. |
|
EU competition law.
Description
Prohibition of unlawful state aid (basic concepts, consequences of non-compliance with the state aid coordination procedure) and basic principles of competition law (prohibition of prohibited agreements and abuse of dominant position: basic concepts, peculiarities of interpretation, interaction with national law). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
EU law as a constitutional legal system and its principles
Description
Competences of the Union and the Member States, the principle of sincere cooperation, the principle of subsidiarity, common values of the Union Human rights in the EU (the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the status of the European Convention on Human Rights and the EU's accession to the Convention). |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
10 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Publiskās tiesības: ievads / Inetas Ziemeles un Sanitas Osipovas zinātniskā redakcijā autoru kolektīvs: Ilona Čeiča, Kārlis Ketners, Artūrs Kučs, Gunārs Kusiņš, Gunārs Kūtris [un vēl 16 autori]. 2024. Rīga: Tiesu nama aģentūra.
2.
Eiropas Savienības tiesības. I daļa. Institucionālās tiesības. (Otrais, papildinātais izdevums). Sagatavojis autoru kolektīvs. C.Schewe, A.Bukas, K.Gailīša zin.red. Rīga: TNA, 2020.
3.
Eiropas Savienības tiesības. II daļa. Materiālās tiesības. Sagatavojis autoru kolektīvs. C.Schewe zin.red. Rīga: TNA, 2016.
4.
Deksnis B.E. Lisabonas līgums un Eiropas Savienības konstitucionālie pamati. Rīga, 2008.
5.
Koen Lenaerts (Kūns Lenārtss), José A.Gutiérrez-Fons (Hosē A.Gutjeress-Fonss). Savienības tiesas interpretācijas metodes. Rīga: Tiesu nama aģentūra, 2022.
Other Information Sources
1.
Žurnāls "Jurista vārds"
2.
ES Tiesas judikatūras katalogs