Introduction

Abstract

This introductory chapter provides an overview of the European Union, which is based on two treaties: the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The TEU contains the general provisions defining the EU, while the TFEU contains the specific provisions with regard to the EU institutions and policies. The EU Treaties are treaties whose substance is mainly made up from institutional provisions that are to provide the framework for subsequent secondary law. The policy areas in which the EU can act are thereby set out in Parts III and V of the TFEU. In order to legislate within one of these policy areas, the Union must have a legislative competence. These competences will constitute the principal legislative fountain for a particular part of European Union law. This book then analyses the creation, enforcement, and substance of European law.