European Union Law, including Brexit and Beyond, in a Nutshell

The European Union has a complex history and growth, including BREXIT and Beyond. It covers legislative procedures, EU law, jurisprudence, free movement of goods, services, people, capital, technology, the EURO in crisis, and internal policies. It also examines EU international trade, foreign investment, and business competition (antitrust) law.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 494 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2021
Publisher: West Academic Publishing

The European Union (EU) has a rich and complex history, marked by its formation, expansion, and ongoing evolution. From its humble beginnings as the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951 to its current form as a unified political entity, the EU has undergone significant changes in its structure, goals, and policies.

The EU's legislative procedures are a crucial aspect of its functioning. The EU's primary legislative body is the European Parliament, which consists of representatives from each member state. The Parliament has the power to pass laws and regulations that apply to all EU members. However, before a law can become EU law, it must be approved by both the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, which consists of representatives from the member states. This process ensures that the laws are consistent with EU principles and that they receive broad support from the member states.

One of the key challenges facing the EU is the interpretation and application of EU law. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) plays a vital role in this regard. The ECJ is the highest court in the EU and is responsible for interpreting EU law and ensuring that it is applied consistently across all member states. The ECJ's jurisprudence has shaped the development of EU law and has helped to establish a common legal framework for the EU.

The EU's free movement of goods, services, people, capital, and technology is one of its most significant achievements. The Single Market, which allows for the free movement of goods, services, and people within the EU, has facilitated economic growth and increased trade between member states. The Schengen Area, which eliminates border controls between certain EU member states, has further enhanced the free movement of people and has contributed to the growth of the EU's tourism industry.

However, the EU has also faced challenges related to free movement, particularly in the context of mass migration. The influx of migrants and refugees into the EU in recent years has put pressure on member states' resources and has raised concerns about security and integration. The EU has implemented policies to address these challenges, such as the Dublin Regulation, which establishes the responsibility of member states for processing asylum applications.

The EURO, the EU's single currency, has also been a source of controversy and crisis. The introduction of the EURO in 1999 aimed to promote economic stability and trade within the EU. However, the crisis of the eurozone in 2008-2009 highlighted the weaknesses of the single currency and led to calls for greater fiscal discipline and economic integration among EU members.

In addition to its internal policies, the EU also plays a significant role in international trade, foreign investment, and business competition (antitrust) law. The EU is a major player in global trade negotiations and has signed numerous trade agreements with other countries and regions. The EU's trade policies aim to promote economic growth, protect intellectual property rights, and ensure fair competition among businesses.

The EU's foreign investment policies also aim to promote economic growth and job creation. The EU has established a framework for screening foreign investments to ensure that they are not harmful to the EU's economy, security, or public interests. The EU's competition law, which prohibits anticompetitive practices, has helped to promote fair competition and prevent monopolies in the EU's markets.

Despite its many achievements, the EU has also faced criticism and challenges. Some critics argue that the EU's legislative process is too slow and bureaucratic, and that it lacks democratic legitimacy. Others argue that the EU's policies and regulations are overly complex and difficult to understand, and that they impose unnecessary costs on businesses and individuals.

In conclusion, the European Union has a rich and complex history, marked by its formation, expansion, and ongoing evolution. The EU's legislative procedures, litigating EU law and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice, free movement of goods, services, people, capital, and technology, the EURO in crisis, and extensive internal Union policies are all crucial aspects of its functioning. The EU also plays a significant role in international trade, foreign investment, and business competition (antitrust) law. While the EU has faced criticism and challenges, its achievements in promoting economic growth, stability, and integration have been significant. As the EU continues to evolve, it will remain an important player in shaping the global political and economic landscape.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 123 x 188 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647083014
Edition number: 10 Revised edition