European Union and Multi-Level Governance

[JAStewart]

I'm doing an essay on the Westminster Model vs Multi-Level Governance for uni and since my lecturer is being slow as hell emailing back, I thought I'd ask a few questions here.

Regarding the European Union: If the EU passes a law, does that mean that its members countries HAVE to take it onboard or does it mean that they can CHOOSE to?

 

[Phaedrus74]

I'm doing an essay on the Westminster Model vs Multi-Level Governance for uni and since my lecturer is being slow as hell emailing back, I thought I'd ask a few questions here.

Regarding the European Union: If the EU passes a law, does that mean that its members countries HAVE to take it onboard or does it mean that they can CHOOSE to?

I believe that depends, in some instances there are opt-in clauses (like the Shengen agreements) others are mandatory (European Treaty on Human Rights).

Also the process by which European laws become law in different countries differs. Here in the Netherlands all European law is automatically Dutch law, whereas I believe in the UK these need to be ratified first before they get a status in the legal system.

But these things should be covered in any handbook covering the principles of EU legislation, it should be in the library of your University...

(And perhaps it is even covered in a FAQ on the EU website)

Hope this helps...

Jeroen.

 

[JAStewart]

I had a feeling that it was (as is with the UN) such that you would give up some sovereignty with regard to the Common Agricultural Policy and the Fisheries Policy and such.

 

[lupus_in_fabula]

I think Policy-Making in the European Union is a good read (by Helen & William Wallace).

 

[JAStewart]

If I had a bit more time (and money) then I would invest in the book, but the essay's due on the 9th. Thanks though, maybe it'll bookmark it for future reference.

 

[ddt]

I'm doing an essay on the Westminster Model vs Multi-Level Governance for uni and since my lecturer is being slow as hell emailing back, I thought I'd ask a few questions here.

Regarding the European Union: If the EU passes a law, does that mean that its members countries HAVE to take it onboard or does it mean that they can CHOOSE to?

The most common way the EU passes laws, is by issuing Directives. Directives themselves are not laws, but instructions to the member states to pass laws. It works like this:
1. The Directive has to be translated into national law before a certain date mentioned in the directive
2. Typically, the Directive leaves some leeway for interpretation so the various national laws may differ on details
3. When at the set date, the Directive is not translated into a national law, the Directive itself is to be regarded as law (of course, until that national law is implemented).