The EU institutions & governance
- Institutions
- Governance
- Integration
Module overview
Understanding the EU requires both a grasp of its historical foundations and an appreciation of its evolving governance structures and decision-making processes. The EU is not merely a set of institutions, but a dynamic political and economic project shaped by decades of integration, reforms, and crises. This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the EU’s origins, institutions, decision-making and economic governance, enabling participants to contextualise current developments and future challenges.
Module objectives
By the end of this module, participants will be able to:
- Trace the historical evolution of the EU
- Identify and describe the EU’s institutional architecture
- Understand EU decision-making processes
- Understand EU economic governance
Module programme
A historical perspective of the EU
14 September 2026
09:30 - 11:30
Pl. du Congrès 1, Bruxelles
This session traces the origins and evolution of European integration. Starting with the founding treaties (e.g., Paris and Rome), it examines key milestones such as the creation of the single market, the Maastricht Treaty, and EU enlargement. The focus is on understanding why and how the EU was created, the political and economic motivations driving integration, and the major crises and reforms that shaped today’s Union as well as the challenges it faces today.
Taught by:
Karel Lannoo
CEO
The economic governance of the EU
15 September 2026
09:30 - 11:30
Pl. du Congrès 1, Bruxelles
An overview of how the EU defines its economic policies. The session introduces the Economic and Monetary Union, the euro, the Stability and Growth Pact, and newer tools such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility. It explains how economic governance balances national sovereignty with shared EU rules and why these matters for stability, growth, and crisis response (e.g., during the euro area and COVID-19 crises).
Taught by:
Cinzia Alcidi
Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Economic Policy and Jobs & Skills Units
The EU institutions: an overview
16 September 2026
09:30 - 11:30
Pl. du Congrès 1, Bruxelles
An introduction to the main EU institutions and their roles within the Union’s governance system. The session covers the European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the EU, European Council, and other key bodies. It highlights how these institutions interact, their specific competences, and how they embody principles such as democracy, subsidiarity, and rule of law.
Taught by:
Sophia Russack
Research Fellow
Decision-making in the EU
17 September 2026
09:30 - 11:30
Pl. du Congrès 1, Bruxelles
This part explores how EU policies are proposed, negotiated, and adopted. It explains legislative procedures, the interplay between institutions, and the roles of Member States and stakeholders. The session includes examples of legislation to illustrate the complexity of EU decision-making.
Taught by:
Sophia Russack
Research Fellow
Module info
Gain a comprehensive understanding of how the EU developed, how it functions and the challenges it faces today.
- Module
- Duration
- Language
- Location
- Date
1 of 4
8 hours
English
In-person
14-17 September 2026
Module teachers
CEO
Research Fellow in the Institutions Unit
Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Economic Policy and Jobs & Skills Units