Abstract
This final chapter draws together the main threads from the preceding analyses, and reflects on the substantive evolution of the policies in the different layers across time and space. It first paints a picture of the gestation period of the legal rules, which has resulted in a polychrome set of norms that nowadays displays a substantial internal coherence. This dynamic is subsequently contrasted with the political realities, whereby some structural tensions between the institutions, between the Union and its Member States, as well as between the EU and its international partners, are highlighted. Hereafter, hypothesising that the suboptimal performance of the Union may be ascribed to the suboptimal design of the legal framework, a brief inquiry is made into possible modifications that could increase the Union’s overall efficacy. While taking note of the deficiencies that are likely to continue to hamper its activities, the chapter concludes by underscoring the favourable results achieved by the EU in the various capacities in which it has manifested itself on the global scene.
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Notes
- 1.
Case C-91/05, Commission v Council (ECOWAS).
- 2.
In the present volume this subject has not received detailed discussion; for incisive studies, see e.g. Flaesch-Mougin and Rossi (2013). In the metaphor adhered to, the external aspects of the JHA are to be located in the middle layers, alongside inter alia the EEP and EHRP. The same goes for the external aspects of e.g. transport , energy , and social policy .
- 3.
Notwithstanding the insertion into the Treaties of several red lines and safeguard clauses. See also Matera (2017).
- 4.
See Chap. 6.
- 5.
- 6.
The innovation did not, however, bring to a complete end the competition between the various Commission DGs.
- 7.
As pointed out already at an early stage by Wouters (2004).
- 8.
See Chap. 2.
- 9.
Cf. the appraisals in Bátora and Spence (2015).
- 10.
See Chap. 9.
- 11.
Cf. Kleizen (2016).
- 12.
Save for the policies in Title V TEU, which still keep the Parliament at the periphery of decision-making.
- 13.
Naturally, the cynic may then opt for aligning the legal world with the political reality.
- 14.
See Chap. 3.
- 15.
But cf. Schütze (2009).
- 16.
See Chap. 8.
- 17.
- 18.
Gstöhl (2009).
- 19.
The following distinction is derived from Cremona (2004).
- 20.
Albeit not in an incontestable way: see Chap. 6.
- 21.
Webber (2014).
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de Waele, H. (2017). Conclusion: An Effective Global Player?. In: Legal Dynamics of EU External Relations. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-54817-2_10
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