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Course description

The course focuses on European energy policy, i.e. how the political process within the EU creates and then uses legal and regulatory instruments to organise the production, transport and use of energy. 

Energy policy is one of the most important common policies for several reasons. Firstly, energy is closely linked to the issue of climate change. Fossil fuels are the main cause of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and the EU's efforts to address this issue are directly linked to the dramatic rebuilding of the European energy mix.  Secondly, energy availability and prices are crucial for the competitiveness of European industry and the living standards of the population. Thirdly, the need to import most energy from third countries links energy with external relations, diplomacy and security policy, as can be clearly seen in the impact of Russia's current invasion of Ukraine.

The course covers all three of these areas, including their diplomatic, environmental, security, economic, technical and social implications. Upon successful completion of the course, the graduate will understand the basic balance of political power between Member States and EU institutions, the long-term interests of these actors, the legal and regulatory framework that shapes the EU's energy sector, specific energy and climate action, and where the EU's energy sector is heading. 

Organisational information:

The course is taught by Filip Černoch, assisted by Anežka Konvalina and Dominik David. The contact person is Filip Černoch, please contact him either by email or at the end of each lecture. 

Course requirements

1) Study the required readings for each lecture. The literature may be slightly modified or supplemented during the course, in which case students will be informed. 

2) Attendance at lectures is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. 

3) Preparation for the simulation game (see below), participation in this game.

4) Two written tests on the assigned literature (maximum 6 points each). 

4) Oral exam (2 questions based on required literature and lectures, maximum 18 points).  

Assessment                                                                          

A 28 - 30 points

B 25 - 27 points

C 22 - 24 points

D 19 - 21 points

E 17-18 points.

F 16 points or less.  

Simulation

In a 'simulation game', students will engage in multi-stakeholder negotiations within and between the EU institutions. Through role-playing, they will explore the interactions that take place in the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union during the process of drafting EU legislation through the ordinary legislative procedure. Students will gain a formal understanding of the processes and techniques of negotiation and decision-making in the EU.  

Students will be divided into groups to develop their negotiating position according to given instructions. The selection of groups and specific instructions will be sent by email after the enrolment changes are completed, i.e.  3th of October .

The deadline for submission of submissions is 2nd of December. 

The simulation game will take place on 16th of December. 

The rules for awarding a pass/fail grade are as follows:

1) Participation in the informational meeting – Students must attend the informational meeting (online format). Attendance will be recorded on a sign-in sheet.

2) Engagement and collaboration on the position paper – Students must actively collaborate on the position paper. 

This document should be 4-6 standard pages and must include the following sections:

A description of the faction and its approach to the given topic.

A declaration of the negotiation goals.

An outline of the non-negotiable boundaries.

A negotiation strategy.

3)Active participation in the simulation – Students must actively participate during the simulation, and this will be monitored.

If students meet all the above requirements, they will be awarded a "pass" and will be eligible to proceed to the exam.

Fraudulent behaviour

Cheating in the course will result in dismissal from the course. The FSS MU Disciplinary Committee will also be notified. It is therefore recommended to familiarise yourself with the relevant rules of the MU Study Regulations.