Sources of EU law

The document titled "Sources of EU Law" provides a comprehensive overview of the legal framework governing the European Union (EU). It is structured into sections detailing primary and secondary sources of EU law, legislative processes, and the allocation of competencies between the EU and its member states. Primary Law: The foundational treaties, namely the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), are discussed. Protocols and declarations associated with these treaties are also mentioned, with protocols being binding and declarations serving as interpretative guides. Secondary Law: This section outlines the various forms of secondary legislation, including regulations, directives, decisions, recommendations, and opinions. The document explains the binding nature of these instruments and their applicability across member states. Legislative Processes: The ordinary legislative procedure (OLP) and special legislative procedures are described. The OLP involves the Commission proposing legislation, which is then approved by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. Special procedures, such as the consultation and assent procedures, are used in sensitive policy areas. EU Competences: The document delineates the areas where the EU has exclusive, shared, or supporting competencies. It emphasizes the principle of conferral, which limits EU action to the competencies granted by member states in the treaties. This content is likely part of a course on EU law, providing students with a foundational understanding of the legal sources and processes that underpin EU governance. The document is structured to facilitate learning, with clear distinctions between different types of law and legislative procedures.