External Action and Diplomatic Service of the European Union
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
With a view to investigating how the European Union addresses challenges that arise at a global level, the course aims to build on students' prior learning of EU and international law by examining in greater depth the legislative framework that governs how the European Union acts in its international relations. Students will learn the particularities of this framework as compared to other areas of EU law, including as regards the functions of its institutions and the relationships between the European Union and its Member States.
The course also aims to give students a grounding in the operational mechanisms available tothe European Union in its external relations, including the European External Action Service, which is the EU's primary instrument for diplomatic action.
Consequently, the course aims to give students the knowledge necessary to understand how the policies and objectives established in founding agreements are implemented through the external action of the European Union and to assess the limits and potential of that action.
The course also aims to give students a grounding in the operational mechanisms available tothe European Union in its external relations, including the European External Action Service, which is the EU's primary instrument for diplomatic action.
Consequently, the course aims to give students the knowledge necessary to understand how the policies and objectives established in founding agreements are implemented through the external action of the European Union and to assess the limits and potential of that action.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, students will be able to deploy the appropriate terminology in describing the institutions of the European Union which engage in external action and will understand the specific implications of its international relations.
By participating in classroom activities - which include analysing sources of legislation and case-law, and examining and discussing case studies, either individually or in groups - students will also learn how to apply the legal categories and concepts they have learned to the European Union's relationships with the rest of the world. Consequently, they will be able to evaluate events connected with the European Union's external action and relate them to the instruments at its disposal. At the same time, students will also improve their communication skills and convey information and considerations on the European Union's external action in their future professional career.
By participating in classroom activities - which include analysing sources of legislation and case-law, and examining and discussing case studies, either individually or in groups - students will also learn how to apply the legal categories and concepts they have learned to the European Union's relationships with the rest of the world. Consequently, they will be able to evaluate events connected with the European Union's external action and relate them to the instruments at its disposal. At the same time, students will also improve their communication skills and convey information and considerations on the European Union's external action in their future professional career.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
Syllabus:
1. Introduction to EU external action
- Historical development and legal basis
- The principle of external consistency
- The EU's international legal personality
2. Institutional structure and external competences of the Union
- The role of the Commission, the Council, the European Parliament and the Court of Justice
- Institutional coordination instruments: the High Representative and the European External Action Service (EEAS)
- The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), restrictive measures and the protection of individual rights, and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
3. External relations and international agreements of the EU
- Types of agreements and procedure for conclusion
- Direct applicability of international agreements
- Relations with third countries and international organisations
- European Neighbourhood Policy
4. Diplomatic and consular law of the European Union
- Sources and principles of diplomatic law
- The 1961 Vienna Convention and the role of diplomatic missions
- Diplomatic relations of the European Union
- Diplomatic and consular protection of European Union citizens in the territory of third countries
- Diplomatic relations between Member States of the European Union: constraints and peculiarities
1. Introduction to EU external action
- Historical development and legal basis
- The principle of external consistency
- The EU's international legal personality
2. Institutional structure and external competences of the Union
- The role of the Commission, the Council, the European Parliament and the Court of Justice
- Institutional coordination instruments: the High Representative and the European External Action Service (EEAS)
- The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), restrictive measures and the protection of individual rights, and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
3. External relations and international agreements of the EU
- Types of agreements and procedure for conclusion
- Direct applicability of international agreements
- Relations with third countries and international organisations
- European Neighbourhood Policy
4. Diplomatic and consular law of the European Union
- Sources and principles of diplomatic law
- The 1961 Vienna Convention and the role of diplomatic missions
- Diplomatic relations of the European Union
- Diplomatic and consular protection of European Union citizens in the territory of third countries
- Diplomatic relations between Member States of the European Union: constraints and peculiarities
Prerequisites for admission
Public law and European Union law are prerequisites.
Teaching methods
The course uses the following teaching methods:
Lectures, aimed at providing fundamental theoretical and regulatory knowledge relating to European Union law and its main institutions;
Analysis of legal cases, discussed in class to promote understanding and application of theoretical concepts in concrete contexts;
Role-playing, involving students in order to develop problem-solving, collaboration and institutional communication skills;
Drafting of mock documents to refine legal writing and procedural comprehension skills;
Guided discussions and group work, used to promote peer interaction and critical re-elaboration of content;
Use of multimedia material, such as institutional videos, to promote an immersive understanding of the historical and political context of the European Union.
All teaching materials, including further reading, optional readings, official EU documents and links to multimedia content, are available on Ariel, the University's teaching platform. Any communications regarding mid-term tests, simulations or exam preparation materials will also be published on Ariel.
Attendance at lectures is not compulsory but is strongly recommended, particularly for those who wish to participate actively in the simulated activities and take advantage of the supplementary assessment reserved for attending students. The methodological approach adopted is consistent with the expected learning outcomes, which include not only the acquisition of theoretical knowledge but also the development of critical and practical skills. The methodologies used are designed to stimulate independent judgement, communication skills and the ability to apply knowledge in concrete institutional contexts.
Lectures, aimed at providing fundamental theoretical and regulatory knowledge relating to European Union law and its main institutions;
Analysis of legal cases, discussed in class to promote understanding and application of theoretical concepts in concrete contexts;
Role-playing, involving students in order to develop problem-solving, collaboration and institutional communication skills;
Drafting of mock documents to refine legal writing and procedural comprehension skills;
Guided discussions and group work, used to promote peer interaction and critical re-elaboration of content;
Use of multimedia material, such as institutional videos, to promote an immersive understanding of the historical and political context of the European Union.
All teaching materials, including further reading, optional readings, official EU documents and links to multimedia content, are available on Ariel, the University's teaching platform. Any communications regarding mid-term tests, simulations or exam preparation materials will also be published on Ariel.
Attendance at lectures is not compulsory but is strongly recommended, particularly for those who wish to participate actively in the simulated activities and take advantage of the supplementary assessment reserved for attending students. The methodological approach adopted is consistent with the expected learning outcomes, which include not only the acquisition of theoretical knowledge but also the development of critical and practical skills. The methodologies used are designed to stimulate independent judgement, communication skills and the ability to apply knowledge in concrete institutional contexts.
Teaching Resources
References:
MARIA EUGENIA BARTOLONI, SARA POLI (a cura di), L'azione esterna dell'Unione europea, Editoriale Scientifica, 2021 (ultima edizione).
P. CURTI GIALDINO, Diritto diplomatico-consolare internazionale ed europeo, 7ª edizione, Giappichelli, 2024 - only the part relating to the introduction and European Union law:
Part One: Defining characteristics and historical evolution of diplomatic missions and consular institutions
Part Four: Diplomatic and Consular Law of the European Union
Supplementary materials (case law, EU documents, optional reading) will be provided on the Ariel online platform.
MARIA EUGENIA BARTOLONI, SARA POLI (a cura di), L'azione esterna dell'Unione europea, Editoriale Scientifica, 2021 (ultima edizione).
P. CURTI GIALDINO, Diritto diplomatico-consolare internazionale ed europeo, 7ª edizione, Giappichelli, 2024 - only the part relating to the introduction and European Union law:
Part One: Defining characteristics and historical evolution of diplomatic missions and consular institutions
Part Four: Diplomatic and Consular Law of the European Union
Supplementary materials (case law, EU documents, optional reading) will be provided on the Ariel online platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment methods
Assessment is based on a final oral exam consisting of an individual interview aimed at assessing:
knowledge and understanding of the main instruments, actors, and dynamics of the European Union's external relations;
the ability to critically analyze the forms of diplomatic and consular protection guaranteed by the Union;
the ability to link the theoretical framework with institutional and jurisprudential practice, including through reference to concrete cases and current developments.
Assessment for attending students
For students who regularly attend the course, the final assessment also takes into account active involvement in teaching activities, such as:
participation in role-playing exercises (e.g., international negotiations, activities of the European External Action Service, cases of diplomatic protection);
drafting of simulated documents, such as verbal notes, diplomatic letters, or complaints to the European Ombudsman regarding protection;
individual or group contributions during lessons, including in the form of practical exercises, oral presentations, or short presentations on assigned topics;
active participation in guided discussions and analysis of practical cases drawn from the case law or practice of EU institutions.
The quality of the commitment and content expressed in these activities may contribute to the final grade, provided that the oral exam is passed with a satisfactory result.
Assessment
Assessment is based on the following criteria:
Knowledge of theoretical and regulatory content;
Ability to argue and critically rework material;
Ability to link rules, principles, and concrete cases;
Clarity of presentation and correct use of legal terminology.
Type of assessment
The grade is expressed on a scale of 30/30.
The exam is considered passed with a score equal to or higher than 18/30.
The maximum score (30 with honors) is awarded for excellent performance in all respects.
Communication of results
The results relating to participation in teaching activities will be communicated via the Ariel platform and during lessons.
The result of the oral exam will be communicated directly at the end of the interview.
Assessment is based on a final oral exam consisting of an individual interview aimed at assessing:
knowledge and understanding of the main instruments, actors, and dynamics of the European Union's external relations;
the ability to critically analyze the forms of diplomatic and consular protection guaranteed by the Union;
the ability to link the theoretical framework with institutional and jurisprudential practice, including through reference to concrete cases and current developments.
Assessment for attending students
For students who regularly attend the course, the final assessment also takes into account active involvement in teaching activities, such as:
participation in role-playing exercises (e.g., international negotiations, activities of the European External Action Service, cases of diplomatic protection);
drafting of simulated documents, such as verbal notes, diplomatic letters, or complaints to the European Ombudsman regarding protection;
individual or group contributions during lessons, including in the form of practical exercises, oral presentations, or short presentations on assigned topics;
active participation in guided discussions and analysis of practical cases drawn from the case law or practice of EU institutions.
The quality of the commitment and content expressed in these activities may contribute to the final grade, provided that the oral exam is passed with a satisfactory result.
Assessment
Assessment is based on the following criteria:
Knowledge of theoretical and regulatory content;
Ability to argue and critically rework material;
Ability to link rules, principles, and concrete cases;
Clarity of presentation and correct use of legal terminology.
Type of assessment
The grade is expressed on a scale of 30/30.
The exam is considered passed with a score equal to or higher than 18/30.
The maximum score (30 with honors) is awarded for excellent performance in all respects.
Communication of results
The results relating to participation in teaching activities will be communicated via the Ariel platform and during lessons.
The result of the oral exam will be communicated directly at the end of the interview.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesdays from 14.30 to 16.30 by appointment to be scheduled by e-mail ([email protected])
Room 23, III floor, Department DILHPS