Course Description
EU Climate and Energy Policy in Sustainable Transition (CLEaR)
Jean Monnet Module | Krakow
University of Economics
The transition to a sustainable economy is one of the European Union’s most pressing priorities. The CLEaR module offers an innovative, interdisciplinary course examining the role of EU climate and energy policy in fostering the implementation of sustainable development concepts and objectives — particularly in the areas of energy and climate change (SDGs).
The course combines three key perspectives: the state/global perspective, the corporate perspective, and the consumer perspective. This multi-angle approach helps students understand the complex dynamics of global processes and the EU’s role within them.
Objectives
The course aims to:
- Provide students with sound knowledge of EU climate and energy policy and its links to sustainable development
- Develop analytical skills and critical thinking on energy transition and climate governance
- Equip students with practical skills relevant to work in international organisations, NGOs, government agencies, and socially engaged businesses
- Foster awareness of the role of EU citizens in shaping sustainable policies
Teaching Methods
The course combines traditional and innovative teaching methods:
- Lectures guided by study questions with multimedia presentations
- Seminars with classroom discussion, brainstorming and group work
- Blended learning via the Moodle virtual teaching platform
- Case studies and project work, including Design Thinking and AI-assisted tools
- Tutoring with individual academic support throughout the course
- Round table discussion with external experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives
Course Outline (Syllabus)
The course combines traditional and innovative teaching methods:
- Introduction: The EU and sustainable development — key concepts and frameworks
- EU climate policy: goals, instruments, and the European Green Deal
- EU energy policy: from energy security to the Energy Union
- The role of renewable energy sources in the EU’s transition
- Energy efficiency as a pillar of sustainable development
- EU emissions trading system (ETS) and carbon pricing mechanisms
- Energy security: determinants, threats, and EU responses
- The state perspective: implementation of EU climate and energy policy in Member States
- The corporate perspective: ESG, green business models, and circular economy
- The consumer perspective: prosumer energy, green behaviour, and sustainable consumption
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and EU policy alignment
- EU climate diplomacy and international energy negotiations
- Just transition: social and economic dimensions of decarbonisation
- Case studies: Design Thinking and AI tools in sustainable transition
- Round table discussion: How to teach and shape sustainable transformation?