Is there a European field of public administration? How does the EU influence the environmental policies of its member states? Is this impact different in other policy areas like foreign or cultural policy? Do EU institutions and policies diffuse beyond the borders of the EU?

In this reading seminar, we will take a look at theoretical models that have been proposed to tackle these and similar questions about Europeanization. We thereby capture three dimensions of Europeanization: the impact of EU regulations on member states (vertical Europeanization), the imitation and transfer of policies between EU member states (horizontal Europeanization), and the diffusion of EU models and political processes to non-EU countries (Europeanization beyond the EU). The theoretical models are illustrated with selected empirical papers that investigate substantive cases of Europeanization.

The seminar will be held in English. Accordingly, the seminar literature and term paper will be in English. It is not expected that students speak or write perfect English. The seminar offers an opportunity to brush-up one’s English skills in an open and non-judgmental environment.

A preliminary syllabus with details on the topics discussed in the different sessions is attached under the header “Dokumente” or "Documents". The syllabus outlines the theoretical papers that we will discuss. The empirical papers will be added at a later point and students will have an opportunity to voice their preference for substantive topics (e.g., environmental policy, social and employment policy, foreign policy).