European Union
There are 27 member countries in the European Union and 23 official languages. For more about finding legal information related to specific EU member states see the Foreign Law Guide.
The EU was founded in 1958 as the European Economic Community (EEC) in an effort to increase cooperation and avoid conflict between the 6 founding countries. In 1993 the name changed to the European Union to reflect an increasing spectrum of competencies.
- EUROPAOfficial website of the European Union.
- European Sources Online : ESOProvides links to online information on a variety of topics related to the EU and member states.
- A History of the EUAn interactive timeline of key events in the history of the EU.
The Legal Profession in the European Union by Call Number: KJE3704.N37 2009ISBN: 9041125779Publication Date: 2009Survey on the evolution of EU law focusing on the legal profession and its relationships with market freedoms and competition rules.
Legislation
The primary source of EU law are the Treaties, which provide the basis for all EU actions, and are binding on all member states.
EU legislation includes: regulations which are binding on all member states, directives which set a goal for all member states to achieve through national implementing measures, and decisions which are binding only on the addressee. Recommendations and opinions are not binding, but allow EU institutions to provide guidance on various issues.
Case Law
The Court of Justice of the European Union primarily handles cases referred to it by member states when clarification of a point of EU law is needed. Judgments of the Court of Justice are binding.
- Curia : Court of Justice of the European UnionDatabase of case law of the Court of Justice, with links to official version of reports.
- EUR-LexOfficial database of EU law. Provides official versions of treaties, legislation, and legislative history.
- European e-Justice PortalEU portal to member state case law.
Law Student & Faculty Resources
- Lexis+Law students & faculty only.
Choose the 'International' tab in the 'Explore Content' box and select European Union. - Westlaw EdgeLaw students & faculty only.
Browse 'International Materials', and choose 'European Union' to see EU case law, legislation, treatises, and journals.