The majority of rules adopted at the EU level are not issued by democratically elected institutions, but rather by administrative bodies which are empowered to exercise rule-making powers by legislative acts. This book analyses the legal mechanism through which these powers are conferred on the most relevant bodies in the EU institutional landscape, namely the European Commission, the Council, the ECB and EU agencies, and the democratic controls in place to limit and oversee the exercise of these powers. Providing an overarching perspective of the delegation of powers, this book reflects on the notion of delegation and on the commonalities between the different forms of delegation identified. It focuses on the legal requirements and limits for the delegating act, the procedures for the exercise of such powers, the position of the acts in the hierarchy of norms, and their judicial review. Overcoming the fragmentation which characterized the development of the different forms of delegation in the EU, this analysis provides a clear, structured, and coherent picture of the legal framework for the delegation of powers in the light of the constitutional principles of this legal system. Academics and practitioners will equally appreciate this highly accessible addition to the current debate in legal scholarship of the delegation of powers in the EU, as well as its explanations on comitology and the empowerment of EU agencies.

This text examines how political decisions are taken in the EU and who influences them, touching upon some of the most crucial aspects of democracy. The author maintains that comitology is a central and well-functioning aspect of the EU.

In the face of the current confusion about the use of arts 290 and 291 TFEU, there is need of further development of the theory of legislative delegation to the EU Commission. This timely book approaches this question from a practical perspective with a detailed examination of how the legislator uses delegated and implementing mandates in different fields of EU law. Offering an analysis of legislative practice and providing concrete evidence of how articles 290 and 291 TFEU are actually handled, it offers new insight into potential developments in EU administrative law.

Analyses the distribution of power in the EU across levels of governance and supranational institutions.

Examining the constitutional and procedural arrangements that enable the European Commission to adopt general and legally binding rules, this book explores how the system works in practice, subsequent to the sweeping reforms recently implemented.

Written by experts, this innovative textbook offers students a relevant, case-focused account of EU law. Under the experienced editorship of Catherine Barnard and Steve Peers, the text draws together a range of perspectives on EU law designed to introduce students to the key debates and case law which shape this vast subject.

A collection of essays that surveys the development and structure of the European Union's constitutional regime for foreign affairs.