EVSb2091 Europe 2050: Vision, Strategy, and Critical Evaluation

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. et Mgr. Veronika Velička Zapletalová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. PhDr. Petr Kaniok, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 40 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/40, only registered: 0/40
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The course explores the design and implementation of key strategic reforms within the European Union, which is poised to reshape its functioning by 2050 fundamentally. The primary aim is to analyze plans and assess transformative changes impacting the EU's political, economic, and technological frameworks, addressing these shifts through the lens of individual policies and within the broader dynamics of European integration. Emphasis is placed on both a thorough understanding of the reforms themselves and their long-term implications for the future of the Union. The course adopts an integrative approach, bridging national and European perspectives to provide a holistic analysis of critical strategic challenges. Instruction blends rigorous theoretical foundations with reflective critiques, complemented by practical insights from industry experts who contribute real-world case studies and contemporary examples. The curriculum is organized into three central modules: the implementation of the Green Deal, the advancement of the Single Digital Market, and the development and execution of structural economic reforms inspired by the Draghi Report published in autumn 2024.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will: - demonstrate a clear understanding of the European Union’s key strategies designed to shape its trajectory toward 2050; - critically analyze and evaluate both national and European approaches to implementing strategic reforms, assessing their implications for the EU's future operations; - conduct in-depth evaluations of national plans related to specific strategies, including the development of detailed SWOT analyses; - effectively present their analytical findings and articulate well-reasoned arguments in professional discussions with practitioners and experts.
Syllabus
  • The course begins with an introductory session designed to familiarize students with the syllabus, objectives, and requirements for successful completion. This session also provides an overview of the European Union’s strategic reforms and their critical role in shaping the Union’s future trajectory. The curriculum is organized into three thematic blocks, each dedicated to a pivotal area of EU reform with a focus on 2050: the Green Deal, the development of the Single Digital Market, and structural economic reforms inspired by the Draghi Report. Each block consists of three sessions, offering a comprehensive exploration of the respective topic. The first session in each block introduces the strategy, outlining its origins, core objectives, and defining features. The second session delves into the perspectives of key stakeholders, including member states, civil society, and industry actors, while examining the central debates and conflicts surrounding the strategy’s implementation. The third session features an interactive discussion with a practitioner, providing students with valuable insights into the practical challenges and impacts of implementing the strategy. The course concludes with a wrap-up session, where students reflect on the knowledge gained and participate in discussions on future scenarios for the European Union’s development. This structured approach ensures a balanced integration of theoretical frameworks and real-world applications.
Teaching methods
lectures, class discussions, group projects, presentations by practitioners, required readings, interactive Q&A sessions.
Assessment methods
Three individual position papers (focusing on the stance of specific actors regarding the given strategy), group work evaluating a national position on a selected strategy, including a SWOT analysis, active participation in seminars, final exam.
Náhradní absolvování
The course cannot be completed in an alternative format.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
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