The aim of this course is to provide basic information on the institutional framework of the European Union and selected policies. The first part of the course will focus on the EU institutional framework, different theories and conceptualizations of the European Union as a political system and on the basic institutions (such as Commission, EU Parliament) that make up the European Union. The second part of the course focuses on selected EU policies (e.g. foreign and security policy, single market, economic and monetary policy, etc.). For each policy we will focus on their emergence, development and current state, including related current policy discussions. Completing this course, students should gain insight into the functioning of the European Union, including topics and agendas falling within the EU's sphere of competence.