What is European law?

European Law is a specialized field of study focusing on the legal framework of the European Union (EU). It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to:

• Understand the sources and institutions of EU law.
• Analyze the application of EU law in member states.
• Advise on legal issues related to the EU, including internal market regulations, competition law, and human rights.
• Represent clients in disputes involving EU law.

What are the main features of European law?

• Supranational Legal System: EU law exists above national laws of member states in certain areas.
• Treaty-Based Framework: The core principles and objectives of EU law are established in founding treaties.
• Direct Effect: EU law can be directly enforced in national courts under certain circumstances.
• Dynamic and Evolving: EU law constantly evolves through new regulations, rulings, and interpretations by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

What are important sub-areas in European law?

European Law encompasses a diverse range of sub-areas:

• Institutional Law: Examines the structure and functioning of EU institutions (Commission, Council, Parliament, etc.).
• Internal Market Law: Focuses on the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital within the EU.
• Competition Law: Ensures fair competition by prohibiting anti-competitive practices like cartels and monopolies.
• Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) Law: Governs the eurozone, economic policies, and the European Central Bank (ECB).
• Environmental Law: Addresses environmental protection within the EU and its member states.
• Human Rights Law: Analyzes the application of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) within the EU context.
• External Relations Law: Deals with the EU's international trade agreements and relations with non-member states.

What are key concepts in European law?

• Supremacy of EU Law: In areas where EU law applies, it takes precedence over national law of member states.
• Direct Effect: EU regulations can be directly invoked by individuals before national courts under certain conditions.
• Indirect Effect: EU directives require member states to implement national laws that achieve the objectives of the directive but do not grant individuals direct rights.
• Free Movement: EU law guarantees the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital within the internal market.
• Four Freedoms: The fundamental principles of the internal market - free movement of goods, persons, services, and capital.
• Subsidiarity: Decisions should be taken at the most local level possible, with the EU intervening only when necessary.

Who are influential figures in European law?

Several figures have significantly shaped European Law:

• Jean Monnet: Considered one of the "founding fathers" of the EU, he advocated for a supranational legal system.
• Walter Hallstein: First President of the European Commission, he played a crucial role in developing the early institutional framework.
• Manuela Ferreira Pinto: A prominent legal scholar and judge at the ECJ, she made significant contributions to the interpretation of EU law.

Why is European law important?

European Law is crucial for:

• Functioning of the EU Single Market: Provides a legal framework for free movement of goods, services, people, and capital within the EU.
• Ensuring Fair Competition: Promotes a level playing field for businesses operating in the EU.
• Protecting Fundamental Rights: Provides legal safeguards for human rights across member states.
• Facilitating International Trade: Establishes a legal framework for the EU's trade relations with other countries.

What are applications of European law in practice?

European Law professionals work in various fields:

• Law Firms: Advising clients on legal issues related to EU regulations, competition law, and internal market activities.
• EU Institutions: Working in the European Commission, Council, or Parliament on drafting legislation and enforcing EU law.
• National Governments: Liaising with the EU on legal matters and ensuring national laws comply with EU directives.
• NGOs and Advocacy Groups: Promoting specific policies and challenging violations of EU law in specific areas like environment or human rights.
• Private Companies: Ensuring compliance with EU regulations in areas like competition law, data protection, and product safety.