Law and Economics of EU Trade Policy

This class is an interdisciplinary class exploring from a law and economics perspective the key rules regulating EU trade policy.
It explores first the institutional aspects of EU trade law (EU competence in trade, its scope, decision-making procedures, and the relationship between eu law and international law). It then looks at substantive aspects of trade law, discussing the key principles of WTO law (e.g. MFN, non-discrimination, general exceptions) and EU law (covering inter alia trade remedies and the key rules in preferential trade agreements). In doing so we also discuss the economics of trade liberalization and the key rational and economic effects of trade policy instruments. We will cover some aspects of trade in goods, trade in services, trade and domestic regulations and if time permits investments.

This course aims to provide a comprehensive discussion of the economics of trade liberalization, the legal discipline of the WTO and the interplay between law and economics in this area. The students should be capable to understand the basic concepts and instruments of trade law as well as the main challenges of EU trade policy. 

Connaissances et compétences pré-requises ou co-requises

none

Lectures. Students are encouraged to read documents and cases before class so as to contribute to class discussions.

Contribution au profil d'enseignement

The class contributes to the knowledge of EU Economic Law, looking at how trade is regulated and impacts markets. It also contributes to the knowledge of EU External Relations, looking at the EU as an international actor. The class also contributes to the acquisition of law and economics methodology.

Références, bibliographie et lectures recommandées

The class does not follow one single textbook. A syllabus with complete bibliography will be available on Université Virtuelle before the class. Documents and Slides are posted on the Université Virtuelle.

Basic References:
Krugman/Obstfeld, International Economics, 2017 
Trebilcock/Howse, International Trade Regulations, 2012 

Philippe Musquar, Politique Commerciale de l’Union Européenne, Larcier, 2020

 

Support(s) de cours

• Université virtuelle

Contacts

Professors:
Laura Puccio (Laura.puccio@ulb.be) - course coordinator
Petros C., Mavroidis (petros.mavroidis@unine.ch/pmavro@law.columbia.edu)
André Sapir (asapir@ulb.be)

Campus

Solbosch

Méthode(s) d'évaluation

• Examen écrit

Examen écrit

During the First Exam Session which takes usually place in May/June, the exam is a written take home exam. Exam questions are received via email on a Saturday morning at 10:00 and you have until 10:00 of the next day to finalise the questions.

If you fail the written exam, an oral exam is organised. Questions are sent 20 min before the start of the oral exam. The oral exam lasts 30/40 min.

Construction de la note (en ce compris, la pondération des notes partielles)

Each exam covers the three parts of the course: WTO law, EU law and Economics of trade.

Langue(s) d'évaluation

• anglais