Interest Groups and Lobbying in the European Union

Code:

213811

ECTS:

5.0

Lecturers in charge:

Take exam:

Studomat

1. KOMPONENTA

* Load is given in academic hour (1 academic hour = 45 minutes)

DESCRIPTION:

The aim of this course is to enable students to get acquainted with the practice and theory of interest representation and lobbying in the European Union. In addition to introducing students with main theories and relevant research in the field of interest group politics, the course will offer the opportunity for improving understanding of various factors affecting the patterns of strategic behaviour or interest groups and differences in interest representation between organizational types, issues and countries.

Besides, students will be able to explore the channels and techniques of influence of interest groups at various stages of the EU decision-making process. Moreover, throughout this course, students will be able to practice their argumentative and critical thinking skills through debates, role play, as well as development and presentation of individual projects related to self-researched hot EU policy issues. Finally, a more advance practical insights into the diversity of the EU interest groups scene and approaches to lobbying, as well as into the effectiveness of different influence seeking methods, will be made possible through (online) meetings/ discussions with experienced lobbyists, as well as speakers from the EU institutions.

LITERATURE: