The role of law in European integration: in search of a European identity

Abstract:

The concept of European law presents for many a contradiction that might broadly be expressed as national law written into European law or a mutuality that creates a European law to override national law. This work seeks to resolve that conflict and point the way forward for a genuine European concept of legislation and judicial interpretation.

The book is organised over four substantive chapters plus a summary. Chapter one presents some background to the present uncertain position of European identity and integration leading to unsatisfactory law and poor harmonisation. Chapter two looks at possible routes out of this uncertainty by identification of common tasks, paths and the goals of the peoples of Europe. The acceptance of European law by the citizen and the Member States is at the centre of discussion in chapter three which calls for improvement and identifies some areas requiring attention. Much depends upon the citizens understanding the law and that itself is dependent upon the most important component - language. Chapter four addresses this issue and points the way forward for harmonised legislation to be written in English whilst national domestic laws continue in their mother tongue. Chapter five provides a summary which serves to reinforce the arguments made earlier in the book.

The book will interest scholars, students and practitioners engaged in European Union studies, integration issues and European law.

Thomas M.J. Möllers is Professor of Law and Director of the Institute of European Legal Systems at the University of Augsburg, Germany.

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