1 ECTS
One market, one currency and one permanent tension between economic logic and political reality. This course analyses the economic architecture of the European Union, focusing on its two defining pillars: the Single Market and the Economic and Monetary Union. Students examine the theoretical foundations of monetary integration, the design and performance of the EU's fiscal and monetary frameworks, and the real-world trade-offs these entail. Where relevant, the course considers the political context in which economic decisions are made from the design of the Maastricht criteria to the governance of the sovereign debt crisis, recognising that in European integration, economic and political choices are rarely separable. Through country cases, data analysis, and structured debate, students develop the capacity to assess EU economic governance critically and to engage with the questions that will define Europe's economic future.
- Teacher: Nataļja Točelovska
1 ECTS
This course introduces participants to the foundations of European Union law and the legal framework governing the functioning of the European Union. It explores the constitutional and institutional structure of the Union, the relationship between EU law and national legal systems, and the key principles underpinning the EU legal order, including the primacy and direct effect of EU law, conferral, subsidiarity and proportionality, as well as the protection of fundamental rights.
The intensive course uses a variety of learning methods to provide students with an overview of key areas of EU law, including EU institutions and values, the internal market, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Particular attention is given to the role of the European Commission in policy development and planning, enabling students to gain insight into how EU policies and priorities are developed and translated into action.
The course aims to develop students’ understanding of how EU law is created, interpreted and applied. Participants will examine the EU legislative process, the main types of EU legal acts and the mechanisms through which EU law operates at national level. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in interpreting and developing EU law. Through the analysis of selected landmark cases, students will explore how CJEU jurisprudence has shaped the EU legal order and contributed to defining the relationship between the European Union and its Member States.
- Teacher: Aleksandrs Potaičuks
1 ECTS
Course Description:
This course delves into the concept, scope and impact of corruption in public and private sectors. Participants gain knowledge about anti-corruption measures at various levels, and learn the importance of individual action, as well as practical tools necessary to raise awareness. The course will emphasize the interaction between role of institutions, policy strategies and risk management systems while focusing on practical tools on how to raise awareness and mitigate corruption risks. The course objective is to outline the scope of reforms related to good governance and rule of law. Participants will use their acquired knowledge of public administration reforms and reforms of the judiciary to test their understanding of stakeholders and political and economic interests involved in the implementation of reforms.
- Teacher: Marija Golubeva
1 ECTS
Course Description:
The
course analyses the history and current challenges of EU integration, with a
particular focus is placed on EU enlargement and reform, assessing the risks
and opportunities of a larger Union.
- Teacher: Peter Gjortler
1 ECTS
Course Description:
The course examines two complementary dimensions of AI governance: the evolving regulatory and soft law framework, and the economic and innovation perspectives on the opportunities and risks created by AI.
1 ECTS
Course Description:
This intensive course is designed for senior public officials from the EU neighbourhood. It aims to provide both a theoretical understanding and hands-on applied experience of the ideas and policy approaches that shape reforms to strengthen the market economy - traditionally described as structural reforms.
- Teacher: Vjačeslavs Dombrovskis
1 ECTS
Course Description:
This intensive course on International Trade is designed for early-career government officials from non-EU countries, and provides a policy-oriented introduction to the main principles, empirical patterns, and contemporary policy issues in international trade. The course combines non-technical economic theory, real-world evidence, policy examples, short classroom quizzes, and group discussions. It is intended for participants with diverse educational backgrounds. Prior exposure to economics is useful but not required beyond basic undergraduate-level familiarity with economic reasoning.
- Teacher: Konstantīns Beņkovskis