AEP-30306 The Economics of European Integration: Agricultural, Rural and Regional Policy Analysis

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

ECH-21806 Microeconomics; AEP-20306 Economics of Agribusiness.

Contents:

The subject of this course is the analysis of the agricultural, rural and regional policies of the European Union (EU). These policies can be seen as an integral part of the economic integration process in the EU. European integration implies that the members of the EU are giving up parts of their sovereignty in pursuit of shared goals.
The course consists of five parts. First, a general introduction on economic integration of the EU. Second, a discussion of some of the main tools from micro economics (e.g. welfare analysis) and institutional economics (e.g. contract theory) that are used in analysing policies. Third, a general description and discussion is provided of the institutions of the EU, the EU budget and the EU's policy instruments. This is necessary to explain specific EU policies. Fourth, the course then deals with agricultural, food and rural policies as the policy area on which a large part of the budget is spent. Special attention will be given to the different sectoral policies and the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and its effects on farmers, the environment and on food security. Fifth, structural policies are discussed as an area that is increasingly important both politically and in terms of the budget. Topics discussed are the working of the policies and the role of rural areas in economic development. Finally, attention is paid to food trade policies and the relationship of the EU with the rest of the world. Specific topics are international trade liberalisation, non-tariff trade barriers and regional trade agreements.
This course prepares you to write a master thesis in the areas of 'Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy Analysis' and 'Regional Economics'.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- describe the process of economic integration and explain its economic and political rationale;
- describe the agricultural, rural and regional policies of the EU and explain their economic and political rationale;
- explain the impacts of agricultural, rural and regional policies on the various stakeholders;
- use micro-economic and institutional theory to solve exercises in the area of agricultural, rural and regional policy;
- analyse current topics in the area of agricultural, rural and regional policy in the EU;
- propose optimal policy instruments for specific policy aims;
- assess specific agricultural, rural and regional policies.

Activities:

- attending lectures and studying the study material;
- doing exercises;
- discussion of assignments in practical sessions;
- presenting an article that applies theory to a current topic;
- write a research proposal.

Examination:

- presentation (10%);
- research proposal (10%);
- written exam with open and closed questions (80%).
A strongly recommended option is offered to replace 15% of the written exam by two tests with true/false and open questions.

Literature:

Syllabus: Agricultural, rural and regional policy analysis
Baldwin, R., and C. Wyplosz. (2012). The Economics of the European Integration. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, London. 4th ed.
Articles in the area of agricultural, rural and regional policy analysis.
The course is supported by a blackboard site.