A textbook on European Union law

This book is designed to illustrate the 'core' principles of European Union law. Three sections cover the Law of the Institutions, such as the European Commission and Parliament; the Law of the Common Market, with chapters on various subjects including the free movement of goods, free movement of workers, cartels, monopolies, mergers and state aid; and finally the Law of harmonization and common policies, with chapters on legislative harmonization, harmonization through financial instruments and common policies.

The book aims to examine the EU within the context of globalization processes, rather than concentrating on the 'internal' approach to the EU. It assumes that the law governing the relations between the Union and the rest of the world cannot be treated separately from the internal law of the Union, and so sets out to show how the two interrelate and affect one another. Thus, when dealing with institutional law, the approach adopted is to look at the role of the institutions under the treaties and also their role under agreements with non-member states. The same approach is taken to economic law.

The book is wide-ranging and comprehensive, and includes detailed references to primary sources, a comprehensive bibliography, and tables of legislation and case law. As such, it is useful not just as an introductory volume, but as a reference volume and for those who wish to look into the subject more deeply. It should be helpful not just for those studying law, but also for students covering subjects where aspects of EU law, such as environmental law or labour law, have a major impact.