Liberal Intergovernmentalism/tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles/the EU-Mercosur negotiations on a free trade agreement to explain how the interests of national producers are negotiated by governments at EU level and internationally

I have an essay to do, you can pick one of the following topics: 1. Liberal Intergovernmentalism is the theory of choice if national preferences for EU integration are of interest. International trade relations and tariff negotiations have become an area of exclusive EU competence. Take the example of recent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles or the EU-Mercosur negotiations on a free trade agreement to explain how the interests of national producers are negotiated by governments at EU level and internationally. Can you confirm the assumptions of liberal intergovernmentalism concerning process and outcome of EU integration in the area of trade? 2. The current and previous elections of the European Parliament have shown a rise in political representation for EU skeptic parties. Describe some of the positions of parties for less EU integration and give examples from concrete policy issues. How can a demand for less EU integration be explained? 3. The European Parliament is not yet structured as a national parliament. For example, political factions at EU level often form large coalitions across party families and ideological divides. Compare the party programs or election manifestos of two or more political factions at EU level that should be opponents on the left-right-liberal angles of party competition (S&D, Renew, Greens, EPP, ERC, Nordic Green Left, other). Based on your results of commonalities and differences discuss whether the EP provides sufficient voice for different positions or needs more polarization. 4. The EU has brought about a wealth of different decision-making methods. Among others, the ordinary legislative procedure and the ‘union (intergovernmental) method’ apply to different issue areas and involve different actors. Explain how these methods serve different ends in achieving integration outcomes. What are the opportunities and risks that scholarship discusses on the different methods? 5. At the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and the potential withdrawal of the U.S. from Europe, the EU takes yet another step towards more integration. The area of foreign policy and common defense are more and more subject to EU decisions. Describe some of the recent initiatives and discuss whether and why decades of limited integration in these areas of core state powers may change?