Trade Regulation and Policy in the EU Internal Market: An Assessment through the Services Directive

The EU Services Directive (Directive 2006/123) is a key piece of legislation that regulates the internal market in services and promotes positive harmonisation. This book explores its importance, challenges, and impact on EU integration, global regulatory standard-setting, and the governance of the modern economy. It examines the relationship between national autonomy and supranational competence, the interaction of economic advancement and general interests, market harmonisation techniques, and enforcement challenges. The book is of interest to students, academics, practitioners, and officials in European Union policy and law, as well as in business regulation and international trade law.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2022
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd

Exploring the significance of the EU Services Directive (Directive 2006/123), this comprehensive book delves into the contentious legislation governing the internal market in services, while examining the challenges of achieving positive harmonization. In addition, by analyzing the functioning and judicial interpretation of the directive, it considers EU trade regulation values and the broader significance of EU regulation in global regulatory standard-setting.

The book examines the directives contribution to the fundamental freedoms and the completion of the internal market, with particular focus on the balance between EU and national regulatory autonomy and the protection of general interests in the context of positive harmonization. Through the lens of the directive, the study evaluates the status of EU integration and assesses the resilience of the internal market regulatory paradigm, including the interplay between primary and secondary law and the effectiveness of administrative law reinforcement for governing the modern economy. Moreover, the book explores more broadly the import and international influence of EU trade regulation.

Addressing a critical legal and economic framework for regulating trade in services, from regulatory, constitutional, and policy perspectives, this book holds significant interest for students, academics, practitioners, and officials involved in European Union policy and law. It provides valuable insights into the complexities of service regulation and its impact on the European economy and global trade.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800886674