| Review of: | EU International Relations Law by P. Koutrakos |
|---|---|
| Reviewed By: | Valerie Dye |
| Reviewed in: | Journal of Common Market Studies |
| Date accepted online: | 02/11/2007 |
| Published in print: | Volume 45, Issue 2, Pages 515-533 |
Book Reviews
Over the years, the EU has become a major voice in the international arena, as it seeks to act as a unified entity in a globalized world. This book provides an in-depth analysis of aspects of EU International Relations Law by looking at the way the Union relates to the rest of the world in terms of trade, politics and defence. Issues examined include the basis for EU competence in International Law, the role of each EC institution in the negotiation and conclusion of International Agreements, the application of the WTO agreements in the European Union, as well as the question of mixity and the handling of mixed agreements where both the Community and individual Member States have obligations under international treaties. The principle of direct effect in relation to the rights of individuals to rely on International Law before National Courts is also examined. In examining each of these issues, Koutrakos engages in an extensive analysis of ECJ case law and other legal rules that form the basis for EU International Relations. Extensive reference is also made to relevant EC Treaty articles.
Having provided, in the first two parts of the book, a broad outline of various aspects of EU International Relations Law, Koutrakos then goes on to give a more detailed analysis of the practical application of this subject in relation to international trade and in terms of other agreements with third countries. In so doing, he gives a critical insight into the anti-dumping measures adopted by the Union as well as the role of the ECJ in reviewing such measures. He also provides a detailed discussion of the various types of Agreements entered into with third countries.
This book differs from others on International Relations Law in that it includes a wider array of topics, ranging from EU political relations and International Trade to the principle of direct effect. Despite the range of topics, each is given detailed analysis. It also goes further than other texts on EU International Relations Law in that it examines the provisions of the Constitutional Treaty in relation to the enhancement of the EU's role in international relations and also in terms of the role played by each Member State in this effort.
Koutrakos provides us with a comprehensive study of all aspects of European international relations. The strength of the work lies in the fact that extensive use is made of current case law and legislative materials to support the main points and in the fact that it gives practical examples of the application of EU International Relations Law. It is a major contribution to the study of this subject and is useful for academics as well as for practitioners of European Union Law.