23. Free movement of persons: limitations on grounds of public policy, public security or public health

This chapter examines the European Union (EU) law concerning the free movement of persons and the limitations of this right on grounds of public health, public security, or public policy, including the ‘rule of reason’ and expulsion, refusal of entry or an entry ban due to criminal offences or other personal conduct. It analyses the relationship between the Citizens’ Rights Directive (CRD) (Directive 2004/38/EC) and its relationship with Treaty provisions. It considers the substantive scope of the derogation provisions and the procedural guarantees in the CRD applicable to EU citizens and their family members facing expulsion, refusal of entry or entry bans.

21. Free movement: social rights

This chapter examines the social rights that arise as part of free-movement rights under Articles 21, 45, 49 and 59 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). It highlights the extensive interpretation given by the Court of Justice (CJ) to these rights ensuring equality of treatment for those migrants who are economically active. As well as dealing with the provisions in the Citizens’ Rights Directive (CRD) (Directive 2004/38) and Regulation 492/2011 on the free movement of workers, the chapter deals briefly with the provisions relating to social security and EU citizenship.

20. Economic rights: workers, establishment and services

This chapter examines the provisions of European Union (EU) law concerning economic rights provided by Articles 45, 49 and 56 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), concerning workers, establishment and services respectively. It discusses the Court of Justice’s (CJ) interpretation and its impact on Member States’ ability to regulate the right to trade within their own territory, as well as regulatory competition between Member States. The chapter discusses the harmonization of qualifications (including the Qualifications Directive), the free movement of lawyers and the Services Directive.

13. Union liability in tort: action for damages

This chapter examines the action for damages related to European Union (EU) liability in tort. It discusses the scope and the elements of non-contractual liability and liability for wrongful acts or omissions under Article 340(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The chapter also explains the relationship of Article 340 TFEU with Articles 263 and 265 TFEU. It considers the restrictive rules in relation to assessment of damages and causation. The chapter highlights the need for European Courts to balance the conflicting interests of permitting flexibility in decision-making and protecting individuals who may suffer as a result of such action.

12. Direct action for annulment

This chapter focuses on the Treaty provisions providing for judicial review of European Union (EU) law in Article 263 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). It explains the grounds for challenge and the consequences of a successful challenge to EU regulations. The chapter also highlights criticisms of Article 263 TFEU concerning restrictive tests for the admissibility of actions by individuals, and the restrictive attitude to the locus standi of trade associations and pressure groups. The implications of the case law after the Treaty of Lisbon, particularly regarding the term ‘regulatory act’, are explained. It considers the scope of indirect review under Article 277 TFEU. Finally, this chapter examines the provisions of Article 265 TFEU concerning action for failure to act. It discusses the notion of ‘reviewable omissions’, the scope of the EU institutions’ duty to act and the consequences of a successful action.

11. Enforcement actions

This chapter examines the enforcement rules for European Union (EU) law found in Articles 258, 259 and 114(4) of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union (TFEU). It outlines the enforcement mechanism by focusing on the various stages of Article 258 TFEU and explains the discretionary powers of the Commission to initiate the proceedings. The chapter also provides the interpretation of the terms ‘reasoned opinion’ and ‘formal notice’ given by the Court of Justice (CJ). It describes the consequences of the failure to comply with the ruling from the CJ and the conditions under which financial penalties may be imposed upon Member States according to Article 260.

10. The preliminary ruling procedure

This chapter examines the relationship between the Court of Justice (CJ) and the national courts in the context of the preliminary ruling procedure provided by Article 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The chapter focuses on the text of Article 267 TFEU. It analyses the extent to which national courts are willing and able to gain access to the CJ in order to resolve the questions of European Union (EU) law before them. The chapter also explains the concept of acte clair. The analysis reveals that the CJ has rarely refused its jurisdiction and has interpreted broadly the term ‘court or tribunal’. The CJ has also rarely attempted to interfere with national courts’ discretion in matters of referral and application of EU law, while national courts have generally been ready to refer cases to the CJ.

5. Principles of direct applicability and direct effects

This chapter examines the scope of the doctrines of direct and indirect effect (including ‘direct applicability’) in the context of European Union (EU) law. These doctrines allow individuals to rely on EU law rights in national courts. It explains that while the Court of Justice (CJ) has emphasised that EU directives can apply against the state (vertical direct effect: starting with the Van Gend case), but cannot have direct effect as against individuals (horizontal effect), its case law shows a range of developments which operate to undermine the simplicity of this position. The chapter suggests that granting individuals and national courts a role in the enforcement of Union law has ensured that EU law is applied and Union rights are enforced. It also considers questions concerning the idea of incidental direct effect, triangular situations and the consequences of the line of jurisprudence starting with the judgments in Mangold (case C-144/04) and Kücükdeveci (case C-555/07).

27. EU competition law

This chapter examines the core elements of competition law in the European Union (EU). It provides a number of examples of the types of agreements covered by EU competition law and shows the dangers which may arise when independent undertakings come together to coordinate their activities to distort competition. The chapter reviews the impact of anti-competitive agreements on the internal market and focuses on the abuse of market power and controls over concentrations. Overall, the chapter discusses the provisions and enforcement of Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

26. Introduction to EU competition policy

This chapter examines the competition policy in the European Union (EU), discusses the economics of the social market, and describes the structure and objectives of EU competition provisions and policy. The chapter focuses on Articles 101 and 102 TFEU and covers the basic principles established by Regulation 1/2003. It highlights the decentralisation of the enforcement of competition policy. It also explores policies on competition with third countries. The chapter highlights the complexities that can arise when law and economics interact and reveals the difficult role of the Court of Justice (CJ) to make complex assessments of economics.