Asignaturas - Máster universitario en unión europea

The European Union plays a pivotal role in shaping the international economy and in structuring the relationships between states and markets. In this context, it is essential to understand the interaction between these two dimensions. Within the framework of the Master’s Degree in European Union Studies, it is vital to examine both expenditure and sources of revenue associated with the Union’s public finances.

A superficial grasp of European policies is insufficient to fully comprehend the complexity of the system. A more in-depth understanding of the underlying issues is required to interpret the policy-making process accurately and to anticipate the potential outcomes of various initiatives. For this reason, the course not only addresses financial stability and the EU budget, but also incorporates an analysis of the Union’s funding mechanisms for adaptation, which constitute an integral part of the academic content.

It is assumed that students will typically hold an academic background in Economics, Law, Political Science, or, more broadly, in a discipline related to the Social Sciences. Prior familiarity with EU-related topics constitutes an excellent foundation for making the most of the learning experience.

However, holders of degrees in other fields are not excluded. Any graduate with a genuine interest in European Union affairs will find the course well-suited to their needs.

Furthermore, in order to effectively engage with the distance learning methodology employed by UNED, it is necessary for students to possess basic computer literacy.

In addition to the tutoring provided through the virtual course, students will be able to contact the teaching team during the in-person office hours or through the contact methods listed below:

Dr. Marcin Roman Czubala Ostapiuk

• Phone: +34 91 398 93 42
• Office hours: Thursdays, from 10:00 to 14:00
• Email: mczubala@cee.uned.es

Dr. María Ángeles Rodríguez Santos

• Phone: +34 91 398 63 78
• Office hours: Thursdays, from 10:00 to 14:00
• Email: mrodriguez@cee.uned.es

Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
P.º Senda del Rey, 11
Department of Applied Economics, 3rd floor
28040 Madrid

General Competencies:

• CG01. The ability to solve problems in multidisciplinary environments related to the European Union.
• CG02. The ability to communicate ideas and opinions based on specific and advanced knowledge of the European Union, and to make reasoned judgments about them.
• CG03. The ability to interpret the content of European Union texts and documents in a way that enables the student to make decisions and formulate options regarding them within the complex context of the EU structure and legal system.
• CB6. The possession and understanding of knowledge that provides a foundation or opportunity for originality in the development and/or application of ideas, often within a research context.
• CB7. The ability to apply acquired knowledge and problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to the field of study.
• CB8. The ability to integrate knowledge and confront the complexity of making judgments based on incomplete or limited information, including reflections on the social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of such knowledge and judgments.
• CB9. The ability to communicate conclusions and the underlying knowledge and reasoning supporting them to both specialised and non-specialised audiences in a clear and unambiguous manner.
• CB10. The possession of learning skills that enable the student to continue studying in a largely self-directed or autonomous manner.

Specific Competencies:

• CE04. The ability to find, analyse, and apply legislation from the different institutions and bodies of the European Union, as well as that of Member States related to or involved in the European system.
• CE05. The ability to find, analyse, and apply case law from the courts that comprise the jurisdiction of the European Union, as well as case law from any order and level of Member States related to or involved with the European Union system.
• CE06. The ability to develop projects within the framework of the system integrated by the legal orders of the Member States and the European Union.
• CE07. The ability to develop proposals, reports, and opinions on topics within the integrated system of the European Union.
• CE08. The ability to integrate an institutional perspective in the analysis of the laws and policies of the European Union.

The course Budget and Public Management in the European Union will enable students to:

• Understand the significance of financial stability within the European Union, particularly in terms of the sustainability of public finances and budgetary discipline.
• Gain knowledge of the successive reforms proposed from the 1980s up to the Treaty of Lisbon, aimed at enhancing the Union’s system of financing and its multiannual financial framework.
• Analyse the evolution of the EU’s financial system and its adaptation to emerging challenges over time, in alignment with various strategic priorities.
• Comprehend the structure and sources of financing for the EU’s budgetary framework.
• Become familiar with the mechanisms involved in the preparation and formulation of the EU budget.
• Examine the challenges associated with budgetary processes and understand their defining features.
• Recognise the budgetary and managerial implications arising from membership in a supranational organisation such as the European Union.
• Interpret how the budget is applied to the EU’s common policies and joint initiatives.

For the successful preparation of this course, it is essential that students organise their work efficiently. A significant portion of this work must be undertaken independently, which involves:

• Studying and assimilating the theoretical content included in the course unit.
• Resolving queries, either in person or online, through the use of the virtual learning platform.
• Completing practical activities via the virtual platform.

To support the completion of the learning activities associated with this course, students will have access to the following resources:

• The course study guide.
• Supplementary documentation related to the topics covered in the course.
• Assessable activities designed to promote the practical application of the competences and skills outlined in the intended learning outcomes.

Communication between the teaching staff, tutors, and students will take place primarily via UNED’s online learning platform.

All information relating to the assessment process will be communicated progressively through the virtual course platform.

There is no specific textbook dedicated to explaining Budget and Governance in the European Union. However, the virtual course will serve as a key resource for studying and monitoring the subject, as well as a tool for continuous assessment.

Teaching materials, documentation, and data will be made available to students through the virtual platform, as far as possible. Additionally, tutoring services will be provided to support students and help them succeed.

The virtual course will provide documentation related to the topics covered in the subject.

Through the virtual platform, students will also be able to:

• Access detailed information about the course syllabus.
• Consult guidance for studying and preparing the course content.
• Contact the teaching team for the resolution of academic-related queries.
• Participate in discussion forums.
• Connect with other students and form collaborative working groups.
• Access information and complete mandatory activities.
• Obtain supplementary and up-to-date information to reinforce learning and enhance connections with European reality.