This course provides an in-depth introduction to the European Union’s external action — the way the EU engages with the world as a diplomatic, development, trade, security, and humanitarian actor. At a time of growing geopolitical complexity, the EU continues to evolve in its global role, using a strategic toolbox that blends soft power with increasing security and defense ambition.
Through historical insight, concrete regional or country-specific case studies, and thematic analysis, this course explores how the EU operates globally: from humanitarian and development aid, to trade agreements and sanctions, to strategic communication and defense capabilities. The course examines how EU foreign policy engages with third countries around the world with the overarching goal to promote and protect core values and interests, notably peace, security and fundamental rights.
Instructor
Bárbara Matias
EU Foreign Policy
Bárbara Matias is a European External Action Service (EEAS) official. Her work has focused on EU relations with US & Canada, cooperating with third countries on the green and digital transitions, and previously on prevention of Violent Extremism and organized crime during her time at the European Commission. Bárbara worked in NATO’s Operations Unit on defense capacity-building of partner countries and was appointed to the Euro-Atlantic Crisis Center as Lead Officer on NATO-EU aid coordination during the Covid-19 pandemic. She was previously based in Kosovo for one year working for a regional NGO as Research and Policy Analyst on EU enlargement.
Bárbara was a Fulbright scholar at Columbia University in New York, where she completed her M.A. in Human Rights Studies and was invited to be an undergraduate lecturer. She completed her B.A. in International Relations and Political Science at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, in Lisbon, Portugal.
Course Details
11 Lectures
Reading Materials
5 Quizzes
Online
4 Hours
English
What You Will Learn
- Understand the evolution and structure of EU external action, from the Common Foreign and Security Policy to the role of the EEAS
- Analyse the EU’s foreign policy instruments including diplomacy, sanctions, trade policy, development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and civilian and military missions
- Examine how the EU operates in multilateral fora including the UN, G7, G20, and NATO
- Evaluate the EU’s global priorities on the green and digital transitions and their foreign policy implications
- Assess the EU’s response to emerging threats including disinformation, economic security, and geopolitical instability
- Explore the EU’s engagement across key regions — the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Central Asia, the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East
- Critically analyse EU foreign policy strategies and evaluate their effectiveness across regions and thematic areas
- Apply knowledge of EU foreign policy instruments to real-world scenarios and current geopolitical debates
- Make informed judgments about the EU’s standing as a global actor and the challenges it faces in a shifting international order
Who Is This Course For
This programme is ideal for students, practitioners, and professionals interested in European foreign policy, international relations, diplomacy and global challenges. It is also particularly relevant for those seeking careers in EU institutions, think tanks, development agencies, international NGOs, or national foreign ministries. Participants will develop policy-relevant analytical skills, expand their regional expertise, and build a foundation for future roles in EU affairs and diplomacy.
Course Content
Tuition Fee
The total tuition fee for the programme is €95. This fee includes:
- Unlimited Access: Full access to all pre-recorded video lectures and downloadable reading materials.
- Certification: A Professional Certificate of Completion (awarded upon passing the final assessment).
Duration and Fornat
The programme is 100% online and self-paced, allowing you to fit learning around your schedule.
- Time Commitment: The curriculum is designed to be completed in approximately 5-6 hours, including video lectures, reading materials, and quizzes.
- Flexibility: There are no fixed login times or deadlines. You can start immediately and progress through the material at your own speed.
Assessment & Certification
To ensure mastery of the material, the programme includes a structured assessment path:
- Module Quizzes: A multiple-choice quiz at the end of each module to test your understanding.
- Final Exam: A comprehensive final quiz covering the entire syllabus.
- The Certificate: To receive your Certificate of Completion, you must achieve a pass mark of at least 60% in each of the assessments.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this programme, you must fulfil the following criteria:
- English Proficiency: B1/B2 (Intermediate) level is recommended to fully understand the terminology.
- Motivation: A genuine interest in understanding the course topic.
- Technical: A stable internet connection to stream high-definition video lectures.
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FAQ
To enrol in the programme, simply click on the “Enroll” button located on the course page. This will take you to the checkout page where you can fill out the required information and proceed with the payment to complete your enrollment.
Payment for the programme can be made by clicking on the “Enroll” button and proceeding to checkout. We use safe and secure payment technologies to ensure the security of your payment information.
The core video modules and reading materials take approximately 4-5-6 hours to complete.
No. The programme is entirely self-paced. You can start whenever you like and take as much time as you need to complete the lectures.
Our programme offers a unique advantage as it is taught by industry experts who bring real-world experience and insights to the learning process. This ensures that the content is relevant, up-to-date, and of the highest quality.
Absolutely. We encourage you to list the programme under “Education” or “Certifications”.
The quizzes are designed to reinforce learning, not to catch you out. You will need a 60% pass rate to generate your certificate, but you can retake the quizzes if necessary to improve your score.
You will have lifetime access to the programme materials, allowing you to study at your own pace and revisit the content whenever you need to.
We offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the programme. If you wish to cancel your enrollment, please contact us at info@eugovlab.com within 3 days of enrollment for a full refund.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us at info@eugovlab.com. Our team is here to help and will respond to your inquiry promptly.
Course Includes
- 5 Lessons
- 15 Topics
- 5 Assessments
- Course Certificate