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Multi-level Governance in the European Union

Code: 40895
Credits: 10
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
European Integration OP 0

Contact lecturer

Name :
Irina Ciornei
Email :
irina.ciornei@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Nuria Font Borras
Ana Mar Fernandez Pasarin

Teaching staff (external to UAB)

Nuria González Campana
Julia Miralles
Xavier Ferrer

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge on the process of European integration

 

Objectives

The theories on Multilevel Governance (GMN) are closely associated with the process of integration of the European Union, considered a single model of political construction based on principles such as the transfer of sovereignty of states and the need for negotiation in all areas of decision. An important part of Multilevel Governance within the EU refers to the participation of sub-state government entities (particularly regions and federal states, and cities and other local levels). These levels interact today in continuous dialogue with state governments and European institutions, establish networks of cooperation among themselves, and even project in the world looking for new strategies of economic development or strengthening projects of solidarity in spaces where sometimes states have a presence hard.
 
The module proposes two main objectives:
 
1. The theoretical study of the GMN concept, based on the following questions: What are we talking about when talking about Multilevel Governance? What are the main theoretical debates on Multilevel Governance and what are the repercussions of the debate on political processes and public policies in the EU? What type of processes and policies in Europe incorporate Multilevel Governance logics, and in what way?
 
2. The application of the concept in the different realities of the GMN at sub-national levels of the EU: the diversity of regional and local political structures and their interaction with European policies, particularly those aimed at cohesion and territorial integration. Thus, the analysis of the theoretical aspects of the GMN is combined with a recognition of the main institutions involved, and with a study of examples and practical experiences around aspects such as sustainable local development, Territorial Cooperation, External Decentralized Cooperation, etc.

Learning outcomes

  1. Solve problems in new or little-known situations within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to the field of study.
  2. Seek out information in the scientific literature using appropriate channels, and use this information to formulate and contextualise a research topic.
  3. Analyse, synthesise, organise and plan projects and assignments related to the area of study.
  4. Integrate knowledge and use it to make judgements in complex situations, with incomplete information, while keeping in mind social and ethical responsibilities.
  5. Exemplify a simulated project that would be eligible for EU funding.
  6. Identify the results of the interrelationship between the various political actors.
  7. Identify the effectiveness and legitimacy of the interrelationship between the various political actors.

Contents

The course focuses on the following topics that will be further detailed in class sessions.


1. The process of decision-making in the EU


2. The EU and the rule of law


3. Transparency in the EU


4. Theories of European integration


5. Policy-making in the EU


6. The EU and the polycrisis decade

7.EU multilevel governance

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Lectures and seminars 47 1.88 1, 4
Readings and collection of data 150 6 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Final research paper 50 2 5

The methodology is based on the following learning activities:

- Activities in the classrroom directed by the faculty, during the scheduled time during the semester. These ativities can be theoretical or practical. Theoretical activities consist of presentations by professors followed by discussions. For proper development of the activity, prior reading of the literature and related materials is required. Practical ativities will consist of oral presentations and data collection exercises.

- Activities performed by students under the supervision of the professor. These activities mostly include the elaboration of papers.

- Autonomous activities performed by students, both individually and collectivelly. Students will organize their time and work. These activities include readings and study of bibligraphy, data search, preparation of oral presentations and preparation of evaluation activities.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Exam part 2 20% 0 0 1, 2, 3, 5
Exam part 1 60% 0 0 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Individual assessments on compulsory readings, lectures content and case studies 20% 3 0.12 1, 4, 5, 6, 7

 A written exam on the first part of the module: 60%

 A written exam on the second part of the module: 20%

 In-class participation: 20%

IMPORTANT: Attendance is compulsory (at least 80% of the sessions).

 

Bibliography

At the beginning of the course, a list with the compulsory readings will be uploaded on the campus virtual

Remedial readings:

Bomberg, E., J. Peterson and A. Stubb (eds) (2008), The European Union: How Does it Work?, Oxford University Press.

Cini, M. (ed) (2009), European Union Politics, Oxford University Press.

Dinan,D. (2004), Europe Recast. A History of European Union, Palgrave Macmillan.

Dinan, D. (2005), Ever closer union?: An introduction to European integration, Boulder. Co.

Hix,S. And B. Hoyland (2012), The Political System of the European Union, Palgrave (Spanish version in McGraw Hill).

Nugent, N. (2010), The Government and Politics of the European Union, Palgrave Macmillan.

Software

N/A

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TEm) Theory (master) 1 English second semester afternoon