This course introduces students to the theory and practice of influencing public policy in Brussels, with a focus on the “European Green Deal” and its implementation of the legislation “Fit for 55”. Citizens, world leaders, climate scientists and Greta Thunberg’s #schoolstrike campaigners all expect the EU to be a leader against climate change. The European Commission president tasked a senior vice president to develop a major policy package to implement political commitments to a highly ambitious ‘net-zero’ by 2050 climate target, '-55 %' by 2030 climate target, and a green economic growth plan. The EU targets are highly salient for citizens because decarbonisation will mean major changes in how the European economy develops. Interest groups aim to influence Brussels accordingly. There will be winners and losers from a Green Deal and its transitional impact – among economic sectors, generations and social classes, countries and energy consumers. This course equips participants with insights into access points for interest groups; a critical perspective on opportunities and constraints; the capacity to interrogate theoretical arguments from a practical perspective; a case study of a Fit for 55 dossier; and hands-on experience through exercises and assignments that ‘shadow’ the work of a ‘real-world’ climate activist.
This course is for 1st year MPP students only.
Instructors
- Christine Reh , Professor of European Politics
- Jesse Scott , Adjunct
