EU and Global Challenges: From Economic Security to Sustainable Governance

2026-07-22

This module modernises EU studies by integrating emerging policy challenges and global interactions. It moves beyond traditional approaches to provide practical insights into economic security, sustainability, and external action. Initially introduced at the graduate level, it will expand to undergraduate courses, incorporating student-led research and interdisciplinary engagement. A core focus is the EU’s economic security and trade policy, particularly Open Strategic Autonomy (OSA) and the Brussels Effect. Students will examine the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), trade defence instruments, and investment screening, assessing their global impact. Case studies on South Korea, the United States, and China will support critical analysis of the EU’s trade relations. Research skills will be reinforced through policy briefs, with top work encouraged for publication. The module also explores the EU’s twin transition in sustainability and digital governance, covering the Fit for 55 package, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), Digital Markets Act (DMA), and Digital Services Act (DSA). Students will assess their impact on trade and EU-South Korea cooperation. Learning is enhanced through expert lectures, interdisciplinary workshops, and policy simulations. Additionally, the module examines the EU’s external action, focusing on good governance, economic growth, and public diplomacy. Students will compare the Global Gateway Initiative with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the United States’ Build Back Better World (B3W). Interactive sessions and case studies will explore the EU’s role in democracy promotion and economic partnerships. By structuring the module around these themes, students will gain a strong foundation in EU policy, preparing them to critically assess its evolution and contribute to academic and policy debates.

South Korea

2025-10-15