The course explains the legal foundation of the European Communities/Union, which is based on the treaties signed by the member states, and it introduces the decision-making procedures, roles and competences of the institutions, and especially the Commission, Council, Parliament, Court of Justice ... etc. in the process of construction of the European single market.

Intended Learning Outcomes: - Knowledge of the milestones of European union’s history since its establishment until the present; - Knowledge of all European Union institutions, their respective tasks, rationale in the decision-making system, membership, competencies and powers, modes of interaction with other institutions, as well as understanding of the role played by agencies; - Understanding of the decision-making procedures within the European Union; - Knowledge of the treaties governing the European Union as well as the amendment treaties and the treaties of adhesion; - Knowledge of the different enlargements of the European Union and their historical significance; - Basic knowledge of the legal instruments of the European Union and their effects; - Basic understanding of the judicial system within the European Union and its relevance; - Understanding of the reasons why the European Union is described as a Rule of Law system and the significance of this.