The European Union and the International Legal Order:Discord or Harmony?

Important practical and theoretical issues remain to be explored and discussed in respect of the so-called three pillars of the European Union (European Communities, Common Foreign and Security Policy, Police and Judicial Co-operation in Criminal Matters) in relation to international law. In practical examples, developed in 25 original essays written by both practitioners and scholars from European institutions and universities, this book seeks to stimulate discussion on relations and conflicts between the EU and international legal orders. Current issues are addressed including the suspension of rights of Member States in international organisations, the definition of the precautionary principle under WTO and EC law, the UN Convention against transnational organised crime, and the participation of the EU; the EU and its involvement in international humanitarian law, and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights related to international instruments. Although changing, the relationship between the European Union and international law has not given rise to many publications - this book seeks to establish a dialogue between EU lawyers and international lawyers, in order to focus on the relationship between EU and international law.