EVSn5063 The EU and the rule of law: principles and practice

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
5/5/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Štěpán Pech (lecturer)
doc. Mgr. Monika Brusenbauch Meislová, Ph.D. (assistant)
Guaranteed by
doc. Mgr. Monika Brusenbauch Meislová, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The course focuses on understanding the rule of law/rule of law in the EU context. The course examines the historical development of the rule of law within the EU, focusing on the last 10 years. During the course, students will learn about the institutional structure of the European Union - the roles that the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council, the European Council and the Court of Justice have in protecting the rule of law. Emphasis is placed on the specific mechanisms for protecting the rule of law, including judicial protection (infringement proceedings), the use of mechanisms under Article 7 of the EU Treaty, the Budgetary Conditionality Regulation, the European Commission's annual State of the Rule of Law Report, and the Council Dialogue to protect the rule of law. The mechanisms will be illustrated in the course of the study through individual cases, and the course includes a simulation of the proceedings. The course is designed to provide students with insight into current developments in the discipline, and the policy and legal tools available in contemporary Europe to prevent and address potential misconduct in the field of the rule of law.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will know: the history of the rule of law in the EU context, the background and use of the various rule of law mechanisms available to the European Union, current EU cases, and the future outlook for the rule of law and EU policy. Students will also have sufficient knowledge for an in-depth study of EU institutions, the balance of power in the EU, and the intersection between EU law and policy.
Teaching methods
The teaching will be conducted in a combined form of lectures and seminars under the guidance of the person responsible for the coordination of the Czech policy in relation to the EU aspects of the rule of law. The teaching will also include discussions on particular aspects and mechanisms of the rule of law, including heuristic solutions to model problems, group simulation of proceedings and will further develop critical thinking.
Assessment methods
Active participation during the class, a final written test and participation in group examples (including a driving simulation) will be assessed.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course is taught only once.
The course is taught: in blocks.
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