The essentials of European Union law and policy

The aim of this book is to provide a concise, practical overview of European Union law and policies. It aims to provide the reader with the keys to :

• an in-depth understanding of the European construction process in its threefold historical, legal and economic dimensions;
• a clear understanding of how European institutions operate and how European legislation is drafted;
• an appreciation of EU actions and policies of direct concern to citizens and businesses.

The book is structured into 9 chapters, each designed to be read independently:

• The process of deepening European integration (Chapter 1)

The process of deepening European integration refers to the process of economic and political integration that has been underway since the early 1950s. It is an ongoing process that has led to progressive integration between European states.

• The European Union enlargement process (Chapter 2)

Since the beginning of European integration, the European Community, then the European Union, has undergone several successive phases of enlargement. In 1957, the EEC had six member states and fewer than 200 million inhabitants. Today, the EU has 28 member states and over 500 million European citizens.

• European Union institutions and bodies (Chapter 3)

According to the Lisbon Treaty, "the EU has an institutional framework designed to promote its values, pursue its objectives, serve its interests, those of its citizens and those of the Member States, and ensure the consistency, effectiveness and continuity of its policies and actions". This institutional framework is made up of seven institutions.

• Drafting and implementing European Union legislation (Chapter 4)

The EU does not adopt laws, but legislative acts. Indeed, the use of the term "law" was avoided in the Treaties, as law is understood as the expression of the general will within a State. The term "European law" therefore does not exist as such. Once adopted, legislative acts are implemented by the Member States, and it is up to the Commission to ensure that they are correctly applied at national level.

• European Union finances (Chapter 5)

The budget is first and foremost a tool at the service of political priorities. It sets out all EU expenditure and revenue for a given year. It thus ensures the financing of programs and actions in a wide range of fields. Appropriations must be used in accordance with the principle of sound financial management. Final responsibility for implementing the budget lies with the European Commission.

• The internal market and competition (Chapter 6)

An area without internal borders where people, goods, services and capital can move freely, the internal market has made a major contribution to the growth and integration of the European economy. The EU's competition policy is a natural complement to the internal market, ensuring that competition is not distorted within this area.

• Internal policies to promote economic integration and competitiveness (Chapter 7)

From the outset, the EU has designed and implemented a wide range of policies. Initially focused on economic integration and competitiveness (agriculture, industry, etc.), European policies have gradually been extended to other areas (environment, education, etc.).

• Non-economic internal policies (Chapter 8)

The EU has gradually developed internal policies of a non-economic nature. These policies are more focused on strengthening the promotion and protection of EU citizens' rights.

• External policies (Chapter 9)

The EU's external action covers all European policies aimed at the rest of the world. These policies, which vary in nature (economic, trade, humanitarian, etc.), enable the EU to assert its presence on the world stage and position itself as a global international player.