European Union Law

The teaching methodologies of this discipline combine theoretical and practical approaches, based on student-centered pedagogical
strategies, with a focus on the development of cognitive, analytical and applied skills. Classes will adopt a theoretical-practical approach
based on:
Expository Method: structured and systematic presentation of the program contents, highlighting fundamental concepts, legal standards and
structuring principles of the European Union.
Active Method: involving students in practical activities, such as case analysis, debates, simulations and problem solving, stimulating critical
thinking and decision-making skills.
Interrogative Method: use of strategic questions to promote reflection, interpretation and interaction during classes.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Application of real and hypothetical cases to integrate theory and practice, favoring contextualized learning.
The pedagogical approach combines face-to-face teaching (theoretical-practical) and interactive strategies to ensure the acquisition and
application of the proposed knowledge. These methods unfold into three main dimensions:
In-person teaching (Theoretical-Practical): Presentation and discussion of program content; Carrying out practical work, such as case
analysis, simulations and role plays, to encourage the practical and collaborative application of knowledge; Use of interactive digital
resources, such as learning platforms and legal databases, to enrich the understanding of the topics covered; Promotion of collaborative
learning, through group work, debates and presentations in class.
Tutorial Guidance: Individual and small group support to answer questions; Guidance for managing autonomous study and developing
assessment activities; Continuous feedback to identify difficulties and guide the learning process, ensuring that the proposed objectives are
achieved.
Autonomous Learning: Guided study based on recommended bibliography and analysis of complementary resources/materials (specialized
digital resources, case law and legal databases); Resolution of practical cases through the application of legal provisions, jurisprudence and
doctrine; Integration of collaborative learning, promoting teamwork.

It is intended that students acquire knowledge that allows them to: (1) understand the importance of the European integration process (past,
present and future challenges); (2) understand the functioning of the European Union, as a union of States and citizens; (2) understand and
characterize the Union’s legal system, covering its principles, sources, nature, characteristics, institutional system and jurisdictional
organization; (3) analyze the functioning and rules of the European internal market.
Skills and knowledge:
C1. Understand and reflect on the origin and evolution of European integration and its impacts
C2. Identify the characteristics of the EU and its institutions
C3. Apply legal principles to specific cases
C4. Analyze the European internal market and its dynamics
C5. Produce texts and participate in clear and rigorous debates

1. European Integration Process: Origins and historical evolution (post-war and creation of the ECSC); expansion of the Union; legal,
geographic, economic and political dimensions.
2. EU Institutional Law: European Council, Council of the EU, European Parliament, Commission, Court of Justice, Court of Auditors and
ECB; complementary bodies and instances.
3. EU Legal Order: Status and legal nature; objectives, values ??and symbols; competencies and structuring principles; protection of
fundamental rights (ECHR and CDFUE). Sources of Law (original, derived and general principles); characteristics (primacy, direct effect,
immediate applicability); ordinary and special legislative processes, treaty review and accession process.
4. Internal Market: Stages of integration (free trade zone, common market, monetary union); fundamental freedoms (goods, people,
services and capital); EU citizenship; competition policy and law.

NAO