CertificateOnline course in European Union Law
| Study location | Latvia, Riga (online) |
|---|---|
| Type | Short duration course, distance learning |
| Nominal duration | 4 weeks (1.5 ECTS) |
| Study language | English |
| Awards | Certificate |
| Entry qualification | Undergraduate diploma (or higher) The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. |
|---|
| Territory requirements | Applications are accepted from the following territories (based on citizenship): Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. Eligible candidates are professionals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. |
|---|
| Language requirements | English As a substitute to a test, other proof of language proficiency may be provided (e.g. confirmation by current employer). |
|---|
| Other requirements | At least 1 reference(s) should be provided. The reference should be sought from a current employer. At least 2 years of professional experience in the public sector, non-governmental organisation or academia; |
|---|
| More information |
|---|
Overview
The course will be taught by Inga Reine, Judge at the General Court of the European Union. Inga Reine graduated in law from the University of Latvia and obtained a master’s degree at the European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation. She began her professional carrer as a lawyer at the Latvian National Human Rights Office and later worked as an adviser to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in missions in Kosovo and Montenegro. From 2003 to 2012 she held the position of Latvia’s representative at international human-rights organisations. During this time she was also a member of the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) of the Council of Europe. Between 2012 and 2016 she was a legal adviser at the Permanent Representation of Latvia to the European Union. Inga Reine is a Judge at the General Court of the European Union since 8 June 2016.
The course will provide an introduction into the European Union Law and decision-making process.
The main objective of the course is to allow participants to understand the cornerstones of interaction between EU Member States and EU institutions on the following issues:
• Defining and implementing EU internal and external priorities and policies
• Laying down EU legal norms
• Implementing EU law
To achieve these objectives, participants will be offered insight into the competencies of the main EU institutions and Member States as defined by the EU Treaties. Participants will also receive a brief overview of the main EU agencies, as well as their mutual interaction.
The course will also offer an overview of the main steps of the policy-making and law-making process, as well as international representation and concluding international agreements. In addition, the course will give a general overview of the process of interpretation and application of EU law.
First, the course will offer an overview of the EU policy-making process (top-down and bottom-up), highlighting specifics between exclusive competencies and shared competencies; internal and external policies; the role of Member States and EU institutions.
The course will further detail the specifics of laying down EU legal norms. In particular, the course will offer an overview of the main stages of the legislative process, as well as the adoption of non-legislative acts (secondary and tertiary acts) and other legal acts.
In addition, the course will offer an insight into the complex interaction between layers of EU legal norms and main principles governing their interpretation and application, as well as its interaction with national law and international law.
Moreover, the course will contain two twin seminars to allow the participants to apply their knowledge through practical discussions. Participants will be divided into two smaller groups for each seminar to allow time for debates. They will be offered either questions or case studies for discussion. Speaking time will be strictly limited to allow participants experience the real-life challenges related to participating in the work of EU institutions.
Programme structure
Each month has its own designated specialisation such as European Union Law, Good Governance or European Political Economy, etc. The students may only complete one course.
Each course has 32 teaching hours consisting of lectures and seminars. Within each course, the selected participants will undergo intensive studies and earn 1.5 ECTS credit points upon passing the exam.
Course sessions will take place on specified days via the Zoom platform. In total, the participants will meet about three times a week. All course participants will also have access to the RGSL study portal, where course materials will be available.
Participants are expected to fulfil the assignments as well as pass an exam upon completion of the course.