The Coherence of EU Law The Search for Unity in Divergent Concepts

• Provides original analyses of core problems facing the coherent application of EU Law - asking how unity can be achieved in a system based on legal and linguistic diversity
• Combines perspectives from practice, legal theory, and doctrinal analysis to present a comprehensive examination of the questions facing the understanding and domestic application of EU law
• Represents the results of a collective research project spanning several years, presenting a focused and coherent exploration of the issues
• Case studies analyse core areas of EU policy against the backdrop of legal divergence, including energy regulation, the protection of fundamental rights and social policy

The EU legal order sits above a diverse mix of 27 national legal systems, with some 23 different languages. Amongst such diversity, how can the unity and coherence of the European legal system be guaranteed? Is there a common understanding between lawyers from different national backgrounds as to the meaning and application of EU law?

In addressing these issues the idea of 'common concepts' has played a crucial role - it is argued that the unity of the system is guaranteed by the consistent application of certain core principles shaping the law. To what extent can these concepts be trusted to provide a firm basis for the coherence of the EU legal order?

Believers in common concepts argue that there is a relatively clear, shared and accepted framework of ideas, providing an understanding of the system that is ultimately unified in spite of all apparent divergence. Sceptics hold that there is no such framework; 'common concepts' turn out to be additional sources of misunderstanding, confusion and, subsequently, legal divergence. According to a third thesis, there is indeed no common conceptual core, but the necessary unity and coherence of EU law can be articulated and even reinforced through the use of divergent concepts.

The contributors to this collection of essays address these issues from different disciplinary perspectives - legal sociology, linguistics, comparative law, European legal scholarship, legal theory and practical experience. The research group focused on the application of two general themes: the protection of rights and judicial discretion. In addition to the thematic research, case studies from core policy sectors are featured, including energy regulation and social policy.

Readership: Academics and postgraduate students working in European law, particularly the theory of EU law, the constitutional law of the EU and the reception of EU law into domestic legal systems. The book will also interest general legal theorists, particularly theorists working on linguistics and law.