The collective complaints procedure was created in 1995 as an optional quasi-jurisdictional monitoring mechanism specific for the protection of social rights, within the framework of the Council of Europe treaty system of the European Social Charter. In recent years, the importance and use of this procedure has increased considerably, in the context of a number of serious economic and social crises which are impacting negatively on the effective enjoyment of social rights in Europe. This short monograph explores and clarifies the specific features, the potential and limits of the collective complaints procedure, intended as a sui generis instrument for the protection of social rights, in the light of its evolutive application by the European Committee of Social Rights (the monitoring body of the European Social Charter) and its real impact on the state and conditions of social rights in the European countries concerned.

This authoritative Commentary drafted by scholars of the Academic Network on the European Social Charter and Social Rights (ANESC) is aimed both at researchers studying socio-economic rights in Europe, and at legal practitioners; civil society organisations, trade unions and ministerial staff engaging with the procedures of the European Committee of Social Rights. The text is compiled by a large body of expert contributors, working together with an Editorial Board, under the supervision of a Scientific Committee, which reviews the quality of each chapter. The Scientific Committee is composed of the most respected experts on the European Social Charter and Social Rights in Europe. The Commentary will offer approx. 106 Chapters, organized in 8 Volumes, some of which are focused on the substantive state obligations and the jurisprudence of the European Committee of Social Rights, others on the procedures that state representatives, international bodies and applicants must follow to engage with the system of the European Social Charter. Volume 1 deals with Cross-Cutting Themes and is edited by Stefano Angeleri and Carole Nivard.

'Practising law, whether as a politician, a judge, a lawyer or an academic, is to a certain degree creating or influencing policy', Walter Van Gerven once wrote. This statement and many other similar or opposite statements make one wonder about the nature of the policies concerned, the identities of the decision makers and the rationale underlying those policies. On these and related questions PhD researchers from different Belgian law schools debated at the ACCA-conference held at Ghent University in May 2014. This book holds the fruits of those debates. Hence, the book contains concise contributions focusing on policy questions in matters related to various fields of law, such as environmental, constitutional, civil, social, criminal, procedural or EU law. It seeks to provide an insight into the interplay between legislators and administrative bodies on the one hand and judges and legal scholars on the other hand, bringing about the creation of a new policy or the adjustment or abolishment of an existing policy.

This volume offers a lawyer's view on the meaning of fundamental social rights in today's Europe. It is published on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the European Working Group (EWL) on labor law, and it reflects the research efforts the members of the EWL have made in its 10 years of existence. The recognition of fundamental social rights offers opportunities for valuing the meaning of such rights for workers. The non-discrimination norm, since it has been long and widely recognized in EU law, is the most striking example. It has served as a catalyst for all Member States. Apart from that, fundamental social rights, as generally recognized by international organizations, are also challenged in EU law. This is not only because the EU law does not explicitly grant protection to workers since some of these rights are not covered by it, but also due to a potential collision between these rights and the fundamental freedoms of the European Community. In this volume, experts in the field of European labor law deal with the opportunities EU law is offering and how it is fitting into the social policy of the EU, as well as with potential threats to an effective application of the fundamental social rights. Some of the contributions refer to the cases of Viking, Laval, and Rüffert as to their impact on the right to collective action, as well as their meaning for the establishment of decent employment conditions, and in particular the right to a decent wage which is one of the oldest fundamental social rights. Another crucial issue that is touched upon is the right to work and the right of protection for workers. The objective that is advocated in the EU, as a cornerstone of modern social policy, is the combination of flexibility and security, in one word "flexicurity," which has been analyzed in terms of contributing to or jeopardizing the position of the employee. It is the supposed dilemma of the protection of the 'haves' at the expense of the 'have nots' or 'insiders versus outsiders.' A third topic is the fundamental right connected to the freedom of association. A problem that has recently raised a lot of discussion and legislative proposals is whether sufficient representativeness of trade unions is required in order to be legitimized for collective bargaining and the conclusion of binding collective agreements. Linked to this is the effective recognition of the right of participation for workers and their representatives at enterprise level: the right to information and consultation, its scope, and its effect.

Conclusions of the conference.

International Law provides a fresh, student-focused approach and European perspective on the central issues in public international law. Providing ideal coverage for short foundational courses, this engaging textbook introduces all the essential topics in a concise and manageable way. Dedicated chapters on environmental law, economic law, and human rights are included, ensuring that appropriate coverage is given to the various areas affected by international law. The core topics are fully explained in plain terms and the principles and key terminology outlined in an accessible style. Taking a critical perspective throughout, Henriksen introduces the areas of debate and builds students' confidence in understanding the complexities of the international legal system and its operation across borders. Particular emphasis is placed on the key issues in civil law jurisdictions, making this text perfectly suited for students based in mainland Europe. A range of learning features highlight the important areas of debate and encourage students to engage critically with important disputes. Central issues boxes introduce each chapter, highlighting the controversies and key principles explored; chapter summaries provide an overview for students to review their understanding of a particular topic; discussion questions encourage students to apply their knowledge to addressing specific problems within the context of the subject; and carefully selected recommended reading lists guide students' wider research and enable them to broaden and consolidate their learning. Online Resources International Law offers a range of freely available materials to support lecturers and students in their studies. These resources include: - Short podcasts introducing the core topics covered - Advice on answering the Questions for Discussion at the end of each chapter - Links to other international law resources

Experts and in the complaint