Current Issues in EU Internal Market Law

Overview

NonThis course focuses on the EU’s internal market which remains of relevance for Northern Ireland even after Brexit in at least two different ways: First, NI remains closer linked to the internal market of the EU than the rest of the UK (Protocol and Windsor Framework); having a good understanding of the functioning of the EU’s internal market remains therefore important especially for students here in NI. Second, firms wishing to trade with the EU, this includes relationships with the Republic of Ireland, need to comply with the laws of the EU’s internal market.

While this course focuses on challenges the EU’s internal market may face, i.e. in relation to risk, human rights, rights of workers, the environment etc, the UK’s own internal market faces the same challenges; and politics and law makers need to find answers. By studying how the EU deals with these challenges, students may discover, in a comparative discourse, how the EU deals with these problems; and this allows students to reflect on the appropriateness of the responses their own legal and political system produces.

Finally, those students who wish to practice in the Republic of Ireland will be in competition with students who have had the benefit of a more in depth education in EU law.

The topics of the course may change in accordance with current developments but would include topics such as:

1. Introduction to the course
2. Northern Ireland and the internal market I
3. Northern Ireland and the internal market II
4. Risk and the internal market
5. Human rights and the internal market
6. The environment and the internal market
7. Workers and the internal market
8. Equality and the internal market
9. The social dimension and the internal market
10. Health care and the internal market
11. Enhanced cooperation on the internal market
12. Beyond the EU’s internal market: trading with others

Normally 4 hours on each topic

Learning Objectives

Recognise and appreciate the specific space and context in which the EU as a supranational organisation operates.

Explain the operations of the specific fields of policies that are discussed in this course

Solve problem questions and discuss critical questions that arise in these fields of law and understand how arising problems differ from the national context.

Demonstrate the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research in a specialist field (e.g. law and politics)

Apply abstract concepts to specific circumstances (e.g. cases)

Develop an ability to question the status quo and established authorities.

Skills

Think critically and creatively about the material used in this module, within an interdisciplinary framework

Enhance oral presentation skills in class and within group work settings

Learn to appreciate difference in disciplinary background and origin (e.g Erasmus students) as an enrichment

Expand upon existing skills around self-directed and collaborative learning

Develop an understanding of the law in its national/supranational interface and its interaction with other disciplines.

Ability to identify relevant issues and concepts.

Develop doctrinal legal thinking

Develop and enhance understanding for different legal systems

Learn abstract thinking

Assessment

100% Coursework