Does the EU have a constitution
No, all the treaties together find the EU powers, rules, and limits
Primary Law & What it includes
EU actions must have a legal basis
- Treaties, Protocols, Opt-outs, Charter of fundamental rights
Secondary Law & What it includes
Based on Primary Law; Legal instruments
- Regulations, Directives, Decisions, Recommendations & Opinions
Supplementary Law & What it includes
Helps to interpret or apply law correctly
- ECJ case law, General legal principles
What legal instruments are not binding
Recommendations and Opinions
2 distinct phases in the development of the treaties
Phase I : 1951-87
Phase II : 1992
Ordinary revision procedure
Proposal for amendments must be discussed by an intergovernmental conference & signed by leaders of MS
Simplified revision procedure
Designed to change details of EU policies
- Cannot increase EU powers
-Must be agreed unanimously by The European council
What are the main types of laws made by the EU?
Regulations & directives
Ex. Regulations
Directly applicable in the EU and all MS
Ex. Directives
Needs to be transported into national law by MS
