European Union Law 3rd ed (eBook)

This book, previously titled Constitutional Law of the European Union, presents a comprehensive analysis of the law of the European Union, taking into account the changes brought about by the Lisbon Treaty. It provides a systematic exposition of the Union's competences, institutional structure, decision-making procedures and legal instruments and of the main substantive provisions of Union law while raising issues which lawyers are likely to encounter in practice.

The book starts by exploring the pathways for integration in the European Union and outlining its current structures, the procedure for amending the Treaties and the conditions for accession to the Union, followed by a discussion of the Union's jurisdiction. In this respect, it discusses the Union's objectives and the general principles underlying the Union's action. The overview of substantive Union law places particular emphasis on citizenship of the Union, the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital and the area of freedom, security and justice.

The survey of the European Union's actors discusses the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union and the role played by the Member States within the framework of the Union. This is followed by in-depth analysis of the decision making process in the European Union, which includes the adoption of legislative acts and the implementation of legislation. The discussion of the sources of Union law is related to the principles of primacy and direct effect of Union law and contains practical guidance concerning their application, with particular attention being paid to the way in which the various Member States ensure the implementation of Union law at national level.

The book concludes with a thorough discussion of the external relations of the Union, covering both the Union's external competences, including the common foreign and security policy, and its external representation.

With its multiple references to Internet sites and doctrinal articles in various languages, the book aims to be a tool for practitioners, academics and students world-wide.