This learning unit is not open to incoming exchange students!
Teacher(s)
Language
French
Content
This course focuses on the role played by the European Union in protecting fundamental rights, upholding the rule of law, and promoting democracy within the Member States.
Although its initial project was mainly centered on economic cooperation, European integration has gradually expanded to encompass major political and societal issues, including the defense of the core values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). The rule of law, democracy, and human rights—now regarded as essential pillars of the Union—have thus emerged as a strategic priority in the process of European integration.
Today, the European Union plays an increasingly significant role in this field, addressing a wide range of issues that lie at the heart of these principles. For example, within the framework of internal market regulation, the European Union recently adopted the Media Freedom Act, a legislative initiative designed to strengthen media freedom and pluralism, often undermined in certain Member States. Similarly, with regard to judicial independence, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has developed significant case law, notably based on Article 19 of the TEU, which requires Member States to ensure an independent and impartial judicial system. Finally, the European Union regulates numerous matters related to fundamental rights and human dignity in connection with the treatment of asylum seekers.
These cases are among many that illustrate the growing role of the European Union in this field. This role is also justified by the fact that the European Union can only function if its values continue to be respected by the Member States. Indeed, many EU mechanisms rely on mutual trust among Member States, which presupposes that they share and uphold the same values.
However, while the European Union plays an essential role, its actions are not free from criticism. The tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law and fundamental values are sometimes perceived as insufficient or poorly adapted. The implementation of its policies also reveals structural limitations and tensions between European institutions and certain Member States. The latter, although bound by their commitment to respect the common values set out in Article 2 of the TEU—namely the rule of law, democracy, and human rights—sometimes adopt behaviors that contradict, or even run counter to, these principles.
Although its initial project was mainly centered on economic cooperation, European integration has gradually expanded to encompass major political and societal issues, including the defense of the core values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). The rule of law, democracy, and human rights—now regarded as essential pillars of the Union—have thus emerged as a strategic priority in the process of European integration.
Today, the European Union plays an increasingly significant role in this field, addressing a wide range of issues that lie at the heart of these principles. For example, within the framework of internal market regulation, the European Union recently adopted the Media Freedom Act, a legislative initiative designed to strengthen media freedom and pluralism, often undermined in certain Member States. Similarly, with regard to judicial independence, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has developed significant case law, notably based on Article 19 of the TEU, which requires Member States to ensure an independent and impartial judicial system. Finally, the European Union regulates numerous matters related to fundamental rights and human dignity in connection with the treatment of asylum seekers.
These cases are among many that illustrate the growing role of the European Union in this field. This role is also justified by the fact that the European Union can only function if its values continue to be respected by the Member States. Indeed, many EU mechanisms rely on mutual trust among Member States, which presupposes that they share and uphold the same values.
However, while the European Union plays an essential role, its actions are not free from criticism. The tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law and fundamental values are sometimes perceived as insufficient or poorly adapted. The implementation of its policies also reveals structural limitations and tensions between European institutions and certain Member States. The latter, although bound by their commitment to respect the common values set out in Article 2 of the TEU—namely the rule of law, democracy, and human rights—sometimes adopt behaviors that contradict, or even run counter to, these principles.
Teaching methods
Through a variety of case studies, this course aims to explore the role of the European Union in these areas, while also highlighting its weaknesses and shortcomings. It will involve analyzing how European institutions act to address complex challenges, while examining the responses of the Member States to these initiatives. Beyond a simple assessment, the course also invites reflection on ways to improve the Union’s effectiveness in promoting common values, taking into account the political, legal, and cultural realities across its 27 Member States.
The course will consist of an introduction by the lecturer, followed by a group project in which students will prepare a critical press review on a topic related to the rule of law, democracy, and/or fundamental rights in the European Union.
The course will consist of an introduction by the lecturer, followed by a group project in which students will prepare a critical press review on a topic related to the rule of law, democracy, and/or fundamental rights in the European Union.
Evaluation methods
The assessment is based on the written work (45%), the oral presentation based on a summary note (45%), and participation during the sessions (10%).
Written Work:
The written work consists of submitting a report that includes a critical analysis of the selected articles and at least 20 academic references supporting the analysis of the press articles (minimum 20). This report must be accompanied by an appendix containing the 20 press articles and the 20 academic sources.
If a complete appendix is not submitted (with at least 20 press articles and 20 academic sources), the written part of the work will be considered invalid for the entire group.
Oral Presentation:
The oral presentation will be organized during the scheduled in-person week of the master’s program. Students are required to prepare a PowerPoint presentation and a summary note, as well as actively moderate the debate with their fellow students.
Participation in the oral presentations is mandatory. If a student does not take part in the oral presentation, they will be required to complete another assignment for the resit session.
Second Session:
In the event of an August resit examination, the 10% for active participation from the 1st session evaluation will be retained. If students did not participate in the sessions, they will receive 0 for this component, including in August. The 45% for the presentation and 45% for the written report will be assessed based on the work submitted/presented in August. It is important to note that all parts of the work must be (re)submitted in August: documents submitted in May will no longer be taken into account.
Written Work:
The written work consists of submitting a report that includes a critical analysis of the selected articles and at least 20 academic references supporting the analysis of the press articles (minimum 20). This report must be accompanied by an appendix containing the 20 press articles and the 20 academic sources.
If a complete appendix is not submitted (with at least 20 press articles and 20 academic sources), the written part of the work will be considered invalid for the entire group.
Oral Presentation:
The oral presentation will be organized during the scheduled in-person week of the master’s program. Students are required to prepare a PowerPoint presentation and a summary note, as well as actively moderate the debate with their fellow students.
Participation in the oral presentations is mandatory. If a student does not take part in the oral presentation, they will be required to complete another assignment for the resit session.
Second Session:
In the event of an August resit examination, the 10% for active participation from the 1st session evaluation will be retained. If students did not participate in the sessions, they will receive 0 for this component, including in August. The 45% for the presentation and 45% for the written report will be assessed based on the work submitted/presented in August. It is important to note that all parts of the work must be (re)submitted in August: documents submitted in May will no longer be taken into account.
Other information
The use of generative artificial intelligence is strictly prohibited in this course, except for spelling and grammar correction, and in such cases, its use must be explicitly indicated. Any failure to comply with this requirement will be considered fraud.
Faculty or entity
Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)
Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Advanced Master in EU Interdisciplinary Studies (shift schedule)
