Introduction

Abstract

Economic integration has formed part of the core of the European integration process since the start of the European Communities (EC) in the 1950s. European economic integration has been taught in universities as either a stand-alone course or as part of a more general course, seeking to answer the following major question. For what economic reasons do European member states choose to integrate? These courses also aim to address additional related questions. Why do member states reduce trade barriers among themselves, develop a common external trade policy and create a common market? What are the deemed benefits of fixing exchange rates? Why do member states want to go even further than a fixed exchange rate regime by introducing a single currency? Under what conditions might such a monetary union work? Why have member states created the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and what are the pros and cons of the particular agricultural policy? How and why did this policy change over time? These are examples of the many questions asked during courses that focus on teaching European economic integration.