The EU and Nanotechnologies: A Critical Analysis

Author: Tanja Ehnert
Publisher: Hart Publishing
ISBN: 9781509935659

Published In: December 2019
Format: Paperback
Jurisdiction: U.K. ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only
Hardback Edition ISBN: 9781509908509

List Price: HKD 545.87

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Description
Contents

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This book investigates the role of law in confronting major societal transformations embodied by the emergence of nanotechnologies. Taking the case of the European Union, it explores who the key decision-makers in the regulation of nanotechnologies are and how they take decisions. The questions are explored through two distinct case studies: the food and chemicals sectors. The book charts an incremental retreat of the European Union to its executive powers, including 'soft law' measures such as agencies' guidelines or implementing measures. This, the author argues, results in the Union's fundamental democratic control mechanisms, the EU legislature and the Court of Justice of the EU, being circumvented. The book recommends several immediate proposals to reform EU risk regulation, advocating a greater reliance on the European Parliament and outlining measures to increase the transparency of guidance drafting by EU agencies. This important work provides a timely examination of how emerging technologies pose both regulatory and democratic challenges.

1. Setting the Scene: Nanotechnologies and their Regulation at the EU Level

I. What are Nanotechnologies?

II. Between Nanomania and Nanophobia

III. Risk as a Rationale for Regulatory Intervention

IV. The EU's Approach to the Regulation of Nanotechnologies: A Bird's Eye Perspective

V. Conclusion

2. Regulating in Today's Nano Society

I. Embedding the Regulation of Nanotechnologies in Its Societal Context

II. Regulating in Today's Nano Society: Two Theoretical Accounts

III. Translating the Debate to the EU Level

IV. Conclusion and Next Steps

3. Analysing EU (Risk) Regulation through the Lenses of Regulatory Capacity