The European Union is more concerned with expanding its economic reach than it is with safeguarding the rights of its citizens.

The European Union is more concerned with expanding its economic reach than it is

with safeguarding the rights of its citizens.

Do you agree with the statement? Why / why not? In your analysis, make sure to utilize at least

two of the key frames for this course and to illustrate your argument using at least one case

study. This case study could be one of the “crises” of the EU which will be provided below. 

Papers must be TNR 12-point, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and 6-8 pages in length.

Please note, you will automatically lose marks if you go over 8 pages or under 6. You may use the referencing style of your choice.

 Any bibliography or endnotes will not count towards the page limit, but if you stick large chunks of text in endnotes / footnotes to avoid the page limit—or breach the formatting guidelines to try and hit the page minimum-. Just put name and the course number on the first page, along with the question.

Approach and Content

The aim of this paper is to draw together the different parts of the course, and to allow you to

engage critically with the main authors and key themes. You are therefore allowed to incorporate material from the readings, lecture, class discussion, and the discussion posts, but I expect you to move beyond simple summary and comparison to include both critique of the

authors/concepts and your own views.

In terms of content, the most important thing is to answer all aspects of the prompt clearly,

accurately, and concisely. Please make sure you address the particular question asked, rather

than the one you wish you were asked, or simply telling me about the material in general.

Remember, there is no single “right” answer to the question, and there is certainly no way you

will be able to say everything that you think is relevant (although it is possible to give a “wrong”

answer if you significantly misunderstand the material). What I’m looking for here is an

engagement with the key ideas we have covered, and evidence you have thought about how

they might be useful for understanding the EU.

Remember, there is no single “right” answer to the question, and there is certainly no way you

will be able to say everything that you think is relevant (although it is possible to give a “wrong”

answer if you significantly misunderstand the material). What I’m looking for here is an

engagement with the key ideas we have covered, and evidence you have thought about how

they might be useful for understanding contemporary EU politics. You do not have to discuss

every relevant text, and there is no way you can go in depth on all of them. You will therefore

have to be selective, utilizing the readings you find the most illuminating, and which help you

answer the question. Please note, we expect you to move beyond simple summary and

comparison to include both critique of the authors/concepts and your own views.

 Key Frames: (i) elites, masses, and interest groups, (ii) local, national, and inter-

supernational, (iii) identity, community, and liberal democracy, and (iv) politics, economics, culture

The frames bolded are the ones to focus on! must be included in essay explanation and linked to readings.

Terms: 

Theories of EU Integration (Neo- functionalism, Intergovernmentalism, Federalism)

Multilevel Governance

Constructivist Account of Culture (Song)

“The four freedoms” of europe : Freedom of movement of goods, services, people, capital

(a) In this course, “the four freedoms” refer to the fundamental principles of the European Union, namely, the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital between member states. These freedoms are essential to the functioning of the EU’s single market, which aims to create a level playing field for businesses and consumers across the EU.

(b) The significance of the four freedoms for understanding European integration in the post-war period cannot be overstated. The EU’s founding fathers recognized that the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital was crucial to building a prosperous and united Europe. By removing barriers to trade and travel, the EU has fostered greater economic growth and cooperation among its member states. The free movement of people has also facilitated cultural exchange and a greater sense of shared identity among Europeans.

(c) The frame of “integration through law and policy” illustrates the relevance of the four freedoms for understanding contemporary politics in the EU. The EU’s legal framework, including the Treaty of Rome, has provided the legal basis for the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital. EU policies, such as the common agricultural policy and the common fisheries policy, have helped to create a level playing field for businesses across member states. The four freedoms have also been at the center of recent political debates within the EU, particularly around issues of migration and the movement of labor. The ongoing tensions between member states over these issues highlight the continued relevance and importance of the four freedoms for the future of the EU.