The course introduces and problematises sustainability trends in the EU and Europe using two primary assumptions. First, that sustainability issues relate to policy, society and the environment and, second, that solutions often require international cooperation. This theme is studied on the basis of European investment in questions of national borders and the environment. Disagreement can also characterise EU environmental work, where it is often difficult to translate scientific knowledge about limited resources and environmental degradation into international cooperation.

During the course, different actors, including non-governmental organisations, governments, the EU and international corporations are analysed from the perspective of sustainability and international cooperation.