The institutional dimension of the European Union’s area of freedom, security and justice

Since the Treaty of Amsterdam (1999) the European Union's 'Area of freedom, security and justice' (AFSJ) has become one of the most dynamic and fastest expanding European policy-making domains.

With objectives such as enhanced internal security, a better management of migration challenges and improved access to justice the AFSJ addresses some fundamental concerns of European citizens.

The institutions of the Union have to deliver on these objectives - and this book provides the first comprehensive analysis of how they have reacted and adapted to the specific challenges of the construction of the AFSJ. It covers all of the major Union institutions as well as the special agencies set up for police, judicial and border cooperation purposes.

The book brings out the dynamics of institutional change and their impact on policymaking, taking into account also the new prospects offered by the 2009 Treaty of Lisbon reforms.

Contents:

Part 1: The Context
Chapter 1. The Institutional Framework of the AFSJ: Specific challenges and dynamics of change - Jörg Monar

Part 2: The EU Institutions
Chapter 2. The Council in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice - Hans G. Nilsson & Julian Siegl
Chapter 3. The Commission’s Role in Freedom, Security and Justice - Richard Lewis & David Spence
Chapter 4. The Evolving Role of the European Parliament in the AFSJ - Emilio De Capitani
Chapter 5. Casual but Smart: The Court’s New Clothes in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ) after the Lisbon Treaty - Vassilis Hatzopoulos

Part 3: The Special Structures
Chapter 6. Europol and the Architecture of Internal Security - Michael Niemeier & Marc André Wiegand
Chapter 7. The Role and Organisation of Eurojust: Added Value for Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters - Maylis Labayle & Hans G. Nilsson
Chapter 8. Frontex: Its Role and Organisation - Mintze Beuving
Chapter 9. The EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator - Gilles de Kerchove & Serge de Biolley
Chapter 10. Liaison Magistrates: A Success Story - Emmanuel Barbe

Part 4: Conclusions
Chapter 11. Personal Reflections on the Institutional Framework of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice - Charles Elsen