Principle of Subsidiarity and its Enforcement in the EU Legal Order: The Role of National Parliaments in the Early Warning System

This book examines and assesses Europe's experience with the Early Warning System (EWS), which enables national parliaments to review draft legislative acts of the European Union for their compatibility with the subsidiarity principle. It provides a comprehensive legal analysis of the mechanism and an empirical analysis of national parliaments' activities. It is aimed at scholars, officials, and legal practitioners interested in EU law and policy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In her comprehensive book, "Early Warning System (EWS): An Evaluation of Europe's Experience," Katarzyna Granat delves into the intricate dynamics of Europe's engagement with the Early Warning System (EWS), a mechanism designed to empower national parliaments to assess draft legislative acts of the European Union for their alignment with the subsidiarity principle. Introduced in response to concerns about the European Union's perceived democratic deficit and expanding competences, the EWS emerged as a pivotal reform under the Lisbon Treaty. Granat's objective is to present and critically analyze the functioning of this novel subsidiarity review mechanism, while also examining the significant role played by national parliaments within this system.

This book stands out as a pioneering contribution in the field of Europeanization of national parliaments and studies on the EU principle of subsidiarity. By offering a profound legal analysis complemented by a comprehensive empirical exploration of national parliaments' activities, Granat provides a unique perspective on the EWS. This work is of utmost interest to scholars of EU law and policy, European and national officials, and legal practitioners engaged in and with national legislatures.

The book begins by providing an overview of the EWS's historical context and theoretical foundations. Granat elucidates the rationale behind the system's establishment, highlighting its aim to strike a balance between the EU's centralized authority and the preservation of national sovereignty. She also delves into the legal framework governing the EWS, including the relevant articles of the EU Treaty and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.

In the subsequent chapters, Granat conducts a detailed analysis of the functioning of the EWS. She explores the mechanisms and procedures employed to facilitate the review process, including the role of the European Commission, national parliaments, and the European Court of Justice. Granat examines the practical implications of the EWS, including its impact on the legislative process, the relationship between the EU and national governments, and the role of national parliaments in shaping EU policy.

Through a rich mix of theoretical insights and empirical evidence, Granat sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of the EWS. She identifies areas where the system has demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting subsidiarity and ensuring the alignment of EU legislation with national priorities. At the same time, she also points out areas where improvements can be made, such as enhancing the transparency and accountability of the review process and ensuring a more meaningful involvement of national parliaments in decision-making.

One of the book's key strengths lies in its comprehensive empirical analysis. Granat conducts interviews with key stakeholders, including national parliamentarians, EU officials, and legal experts, to gather firsthand insights into the experiences and perspectives of those involved in the EWS. This empirical evidence provides a valuable complement to the legal analysis, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the practical challenges and opportunities associated with the system.

Granat's writing is clear, concise, and accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of readers. She employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from political science, law, and economics, to provide a holistic understanding of the EWS and its implications for European governance. The book also includes a useful glossary of key terms and concepts, as well as an extensive bibliography, which serves as a valuable resource for further research.

In conclusion, "Early Warning System (EWS): An Evaluation of Europe's Experience" is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Europe's experience with the Early Warning System. Through her rigorous research and comprehensive approach, Katarzyna Granat provides valuable insights into the functioning of the EWS, its impact on European governance, and the role played by national parliaments within this system. This book is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the dynamics of EU law and policy-making.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 170 x 244 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509941179