The course looks into the competences of the European Union in the area of criminal law. For a long time, criminal law has been considered an issue which falls within the exclusive competence of the Member States of the EU. However, during the historical development of the European integration process, it became obvious that it is necessary for the EU to have competences in the area of criminal law, if it wants to ensure effective application of its policies in matters which fall within its competence. The course looks at the current competences of the EU in the area of criminal law, with particular focus on judicial cooperation in criminal matters, harmonization of national criminal laws and and EU institutions established in the area.