Reforming the EU Treaties: Proposals for Amendments to the TEU, TFEU and the Charter by Young Scholars of European Law

This book explores the question of reforming the EU's constitutional treaties from a current perspective, highlighting the need for change in light of the UK's withdrawal and ongoing crises. It presents practical suggestions for reforming the treaties.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive book delves into the critical issue of reforming the constitutional treaties of the European Union from a contemporary standpoint. While historical periods in the European integration project have witnessed successive rounds of treaty revisions, the likelihood of further treaty reforms in the near future remains limited. Nonetheless, over the past fifteen years, significant gaps and the demand for transformative changes in EU primary law have emerged. The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU and the numerous crises that have impacted the EU serve as poignant examples of the immediate need to examine amending and updating the fundamental treaties of the European integration project. This anthology presents a diverse range of practical suggestions aimed at revitalizing and modernizing the EU treaties.

The first chapter explores the historical background and evolution of the EU treaties, highlighting the significant milestones and challenges that have shaped their development. It examines the role of the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Justice in interpreting and enforcing the treaties, as well as the impact of the Maastricht Treaty on the EU's institutional structure and decision-making processes.

The second chapter examines the current state of the EU treaties and identifies areas for reform. It discusses the challenges posed by the increasing complexity of the EU's internal and external policies, the need for greater democratic legitimacy and accountability, and the need to address emerging threats such as cybersecurity and climate change. The chapter proposes a range of measures, including the creation of a new treaty framework, the strengthening of the European Parliament's role, and the development of a more robust crisis management mechanism.

The third chapter focuses on specific treaty reforms that could be implemented to address key challenges. It examines the proposed reform of the EU's asylum and migration policies, the reform of the EU's economic and monetary policies, and the reform of the EU's foreign and security policies. The chapter proposes measures such as the establishment of a unified asylum system, the creation of a European Monetary Fund, and the development of a more coordinated and effective foreign and security policy.

The fourth chapter examines the legal and political implications of treaty reform. It discusses the role of national parliaments in the treaty-making process, the potential for constitutional conflicts and disputes, and the need for effective communication and negotiation between the EU and its member states. The chapter proposes measures such as the establishment of a formal treaty revision process, the development of a mechanism for dispute resolution, and the promotion of greater transparency and accountability in the EU's decision-making processes.

The fifth chapter explores the potential benefits and risks of treaty reform. It examines the potential for increased integration and cooperation within the EU, the potential for increased democratic legitimacy and accountability, and the potential for increased economic growth and prosperity. The chapter also discusses the potential risks associated with treaty reform, such as the potential for increased nationalism and protectionism, and the potential for increased EU bureaucracy and complexity.

The final chapter provides a conclusion and recommendations for future treaty reform. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the EU and its member states, as well as the need for a long-term vision and commitment to reform. The chapter proposes measures such as the establishment of a permanent treaty revision committee
The European Union's constitutional treaties have undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting the evolving needs and priorities of the organization. While previous periods of treaty revision were characterized by successive rounds of changes, the likelihood of further treaty reforms in the near future remains limited. However, over the past fifteen years, there have been various gaps and a need for change in EU primary law. The withdrawal of the United Kingdom
Kingdom from the EU and the multiple crises that have hit the EU exemplify the urgent need to consider amending and updating the key treaties of the European integration project. This anthology puts forward a series of practical suggestions for reforming the EU treaties.

The first chapter explores the historical background and evolution of the EU treaties, highlighting the significant milestones and challenges that have shaped their development. It examines the role of the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Justice in interpreting and enforcing the treaties, as well as the impact of the Maastricht Treaty on the EU's institutional structure and decision-making processes.

The second chapter examines the current state of the EU treaties and identifies areas for reform. It discusses the challenges posed by the increasing complexity of the EU's internal and external policies, the need for greater democratic legitimacy and accountability, and the need to address emerging threats such as cybersecurity and climate change. The chapter proposes a range of measures, including the creation of a new treaty framework, the strengthening of the European Parliament's role, and the development of a more robust crisis management mechanism.

The third chapter focuses on specific treaty reforms that could be implemented to address key challenges. It examines the proposed reform of the EU's asylum and migration policies, the reform of the EU's economic and monetary policies, and the reform of the EU's foreign and security policies. The chapter proposes measures such as the establishment of a unified asylum system, the creation of a European Monetary Fund, and the development of a more coordinated and effective foreign and security policy.

The fourth chapter examines the legal and political implications of treaty reform. It discusses the role of national parliaments in the treaty-making process, the potential for constitutional conflicts and disputes, and the need for effective communication and negotiation between the EU and its member states. The chapter proposes measures such as the establishment of a formal treaty revision process, the development of a mechanism for dispute resolution, and the promotion of greater transparency and accountability in the EU's decision-making processes.

The fifth chapter explores the potential benefits and risks of treaty reform. It examines the potential for increased integration and cooperation within the EU, the potential for increased democratic legitimacy and accountability, and the potential for increased economic growth and prosperity. The chapter also discusses the potential risks associated with treaty reform, such as the potential for increased nationalism and protectionism, and the potential for increased EU bureaucracy and complexity.

The final chapter provides a conclusion and recommendations for future treaty reform. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the EU and its member states, as well as the need for a long-term vision and commitment to reform. The chapter proposes measures such as the establishment of a permanent treaty revision

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509962310