Do­ing Busi­ness in Europe

Course content

The aims of this course are twofold: to introduce students to the European Union (EU) and the Single European Market (SEM) as frameworks for conducting business in Europe; and, at the national level, to examine the diversity between European states in the institutions and policies that shape economic activity. Accordingly, the course plan is divided into two parts, with the majority of content and teaching devoted to the EU and SEM.

At a higher level of analysis, the course introduces students to the institutions and policies of the European Union: the European Council, the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Court of Justice. Simultaneously, the course addresses key EU policy areas most pertinent to business: competition policy, environmental and energy policy, labor market policy, monetary policy, and external trade policy

At a lower level of analysis, the course examines the significant diversity that characterizes the European states in terms of institutions and policies that frame economic activity. The latter part of this course thereby briefly surveys the nature and content of such institutional diversity between European states, and what it means for business. It does so with the help of several business case studies, which the students will discuss in class throughout the course.

By studying the conditions related to the SEM and the EU's external trade policy, students acquire knowledge of access strategies to the European market, as well as the relevant standards and norms for conducting business across borders in Europe. Moreover, students learn to reflect on the economic, political, social, and ethical implications of doing business in Europe, thereby developing a critical awareness of policy-making in the EU. Finally, as part of the discussion on trade policy, we examine several trade agreements, including the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement of 2019 and the proposed EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI).

This course provides some of the knowledge needed by companies and government agencies engaged in cross-border business or in developing policy positions pertaining to standards applied in European markets. The course also introduces students to relevant theories related to each specific policy area.