European laws Flashcards
What is a regulation?
A law that is applicable and binding in all member states directly.
Flight Delay Compensation 2005
Since the passing of the EU’s regulation on Flight Delay Compensation in 2005, minimum rights for passengers have had to be ensured in all EU countries.
What is an EU directives
It sets out an objective to be achieved, and it is then left to the individual countries to achieve this objective however they best see fit
UK’s role in EU law
In most areas of policy within the EU, covering as much as 80% of EU law, the UK dos not have a veto on EU decision
What does the Single European Act 1986 mean?
All decisions on the implementing of the single market could be made by QMV
The Lisbon Treaty and more QMV
The Lisbon Treaty introduced QMV in over 30 policy areas, effectively removing members veto powers in the majority of policy areas.
EU Directives and Transposition
Once a directive has been transported into national legislation, individual rights may be asserted with respect to third parties and enforced in national courts
Example of EU Directives
• Parental leave
Directive on Parental Leave was transposed into UK law through the Parental Leave Regulations, and came into force in 2013
Laws originates from EU
50% of UK legislation with ‘significant economic impact’ originates from EU legislation
How are EU laws not eroding sovereignty
EU laws merely functions to regulate fair competition and standard
Lack of power from national parliaments
National parliaments can voice opposition to new EU rules, but lack the power to strike them down on their own
UK and its expenditure
The UK still controls more than 98% of its public expenditure
What are EU laws designed for
EU laws are designed to allow most goods, services, money and people to move freely within EU member states
What does regulation aim to do?
When the EU wanted to make sure there were common safeguards on good imported from outside the EU, it adopt a regulation
What does directive aim to do?
When the EU wanted to strengthen rights for consumers across the EU, such as eliminating hidden charges it adopt a directive
