EU Values and International Law: How the EU Upholds and Promotes its Values in the Wider World through its International Agreements

This book provides an in-depth and timely analysis of a relevant and controversial issue: the relationship between European Union values and international law. It examines whether and to what extent the EU succeeds in influencing international law by upholding and promoting its values (listed in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union) globally, as explicitly provided for in Article 3(5) and in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union, through its international agreements. In particular, the book focuses on the free trade agreements concluded by the Union with States and other regional organisations. The reason for this choice is based on the assumption that this is the area where the EU can make the most effective use of its soft power, which derives from its commercial strength and namely from the attractiveness of the access to its internal market. What makes this volume unique is its approach to the topic, tracing the historical and philosophical foundations of European values, both from a historical perspective and through comparative legal analysis. This solid foundation enables the reader to gain an in-depth understanding of the values that the Union seeks to promote in the wider world. Thus, the analysis looks at how selected core values—such as democracy and the rule of law, peace and security, human rights and minority protection, sustainable development, data protection, dispute settlement, and respect for international law—are incorporated and promoted through EU free trade agreements. It investigates both the impact of individual agreements on the domestic legal orders of partner States and the cumulative effect of EU FTAs on the broader development of international law, questioning whether they contribute to shaping a rules-based multilateral order aligned with EU normative commitment. This reflection is particularly relevant and necessary in today's international context, which is marked by crises that challenge the very notion of a global order based on common principles and values.

This book offers a valuable resource for practitioners and academics, particularly those interested in international law, EU law, international trade law, as well as history of law, constitutional law, comparative law and international relations. In addition, the book contains policy recommendations, which makes it particularly useful for decision-makers and policy advisors.