Integration without membership and the dynamic development of EU law: United Kingdom v. Council (EEA)

Publishers Abstract:

The export of EU legislation on the basis of international agreements with third countries is an important feature of the EU's external action. One of the major challenges in this respect is to keep the agreements up to date and in line with legislative evolutions within the Union.

It is generally recognized that the European Economic Area (EEA) is the most developed dynamic model for keeping pace with changes in EU law. Pursuant to Article 102 of the Agreement on the European Economic Area (hereinafter "the EEA Agreement"), every modification to the EU acquis covered by the scope of this Agreement must be discussed within the EEA Joint Committee, which is to amend the relevant EEA annexes in order to allow a simultaneous application of legislation in the entire EEA.