The objective of this course is to provide a good understanding of the numerous political and economic challenges the European Union faces today. Based on a good fundamental knowledge of geographic, economic and demographic realities of Europe, the course will be strongly focused on the current state of the Union, between attempts at institutional reform, the sovereign debt crisis, and the issues surrounding monetary union and the stability pact. It will also revise some major policies and have a critical assessment of current attitudes and strategies towards European integration. At the end of this course you will be in a position to critically assess forthcoming events and developments that concern the Union.