The principle of subsidiarity: Ten years of application in the European Union

Article abstract:

This article examines the application of the principle of subsidiarity in the EU, particularly the ways in which and the extent to which subsidiarity has shaped the institutions of the EU. It is argued that, after one decade of implementation, there has been some institutional impact, yet in a way that was not intended. The role of the Commission, the European Council, the Parliament, the Court of Justice and the Committee of the Regions are discussed in order to detect the consequences of subsidiarity application, regarding each institution individually and regarding their mutual interaction. Despite the fact that subsidiarity is no longer a political issue, its application may prove to be a lesson for recent EU challenges.