European Union Law Research Basics

What is the European Union? Transnational organization Twenty five member states Purposes of the EU – Promote economic/social progress – Maintain and build on established law – Promote EU citizenship – Develop freedom, security and justice

EU Treaties Form the basis of the EU Multiple treaties are in force Constitution under consideration

Institutional Aspects of EU Law Lawmaking Bodies – Commission – Parliament – Council

Institutional Aspects of EU Law Commission proposes legislation Parliament and Council review/amend proposals Final version approved by both Parliament and Council

Institutional Aspects of EU Law Secondary Legislation is the statute law of the EU Regulations/Decisions are self- executing Directives need national legislation for implementation

Institutional Aspects of EU Law EU Courts – European Court of Justice, – Court of First Instance,

Institutional Aspects of EU Law ECJ and CFI sit in chambers Both issue unanimous judgments Both have Judge Advocates to assist in decisionmaking

Where to find EU documents Treaties-EU treaty series, Official Journal, Part C Secondary legislation-final versions in Official Journal, Part L Court Judgments-European Court Reports

Online Resources Europa website – CELEX – EurLex LEXIS/WESTLAW – Primary sources – Periodical literature – News sources

Points to remember No EU equivalent to US Code Look for consolidated EU treaty Look for national implementing legislation for directives Legislative drafting process is complicated

Stay Current! Recent developments require up to date information Secondary sources and print/online resources should reflect current practice