The European Union is a unique economic and political union between 27 EU countries that together cover much of the continent. The predecessor of the EU was created in the aftermath of the Second World War.

What is the rule of law European Union?

The rule of law is one of the fundamental values of the Union, enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. The core of the rule of law is effective judicial protection, which requires the independence, quality and efficiency of national justice systems.

Why is European law important?

EU law is important because it ensures that the populations of the member states are treated, and treat others, equally. This is the highest court in Europe and makes binding decisions for all countries in the EU.

Is the rule of law important?

At its most basic, the rule of law is a tool to protect citizens against their Government – to ensure it does not treat them unfairly, or arbitrarily deprive them of their rights. And so protecting our fundamental human rights must be another key part of the definition of the rule of law.

How is the European Union based on the rule of law?

The European Union is based on the rule of law. This means that every action taken by the EU is founded on treaties that have been approved voluntarily and democratically by all EU countries. The treaties are negotiated and agreed by all the EU Member States and then ratified by their parliaments or by referendum.

How are decisions made in the European Union?

The treaties (primary legislation) are the basis or ground rules for all EU action. Secondary legislation – which includes regulations, directives and decisions – are derived from the principles and objectives set out in the treaties. How EU decisions are made

Is there a rule of law crisis in the EU?

The European Union and the Member States seem to be doing as little as they can against rule of law backsliding in some of the EU’s constituent parts. Each of the EU institutions came up with their own plan on what to do, inventing more and more new soft law of questionable quality.

How is the EU undermining the rule of law?

At least four key legal- political techniques are used to consolidate the undermining of the rule of law and democracy, as the present work shall demonstrate. The core question is how to ensure the upholding of the EU’s own rule of law.