Human Rights Conditionality in the EU's International Agreements

Lorand Bartels author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:20th Oct '05

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Human Rights Conditionality in the EU's International Agreements cover

Since the early 1990s, the European Union has included human rights conditionality clauses in its association agreements and other international trade and cooperation agreements. The purpose of these clauses is to entitle a party to take appropriate measures, including suspension of the agreement, in the event that the other party violates human rights or democratic principles. This book provides an account of the evolution of these clauses, their scope and their operation, and analyses the EU's responsibility, under international law, to implement these clauses domestically. Based on this examination, the book explores the extent to which the EU has the legislative competence to include such clauses in its international agreements, and concludes by considering the implications of ultra vires agreements in EU law. This study offers theoretical insights into aspects of international law as well as EU constitutional and external relations law. Its practical conclusions have major implications not only for the application of human rights clauses, but also for the EU's international treaty practice more generally. Dr Lorand Bartels brings his expertise in international law to this engaging discussion of the EU's use of human rights conditionality in its international agreements.

This is, indeed, a major contribution which helps to break free of many myths and ideologies about the role of the EU as a defender of human rights.
The..book..stands out for..courageously dealing with the theoretical and practical questions of conditionality..a very detailed and critical account of these issues.
This book will certainly constitute an essential point of reference for future inquiries.
It unfolds page after page with a line of arguments...[which are]..always measured and coherent. * European Law Review *
...a thorough examination of the technical aspects of these human rights clauses. The depth and scope of legal analysis is noteworthy..[this book is] valuable and meticulous in highlighting the legal confusion in operation. * Yearbook of European Law *
The author...manages to combine an expert analysis with a sound explanation of the basics, and in that respect the text will be popular not only with academic staff seeking an expert knowledge, but also students and staff from various disciplines who need to know something about this fundamental area of international and European relations. * European Foreign Affairs Review *
Our conclusion is that the reading of this book is essential and will be certainly stimulating for anyone interested in the Human Rights Policy of the European Union and more generally in its external action...This contribution will undoubtedly inspire further reflections on the topic and will become a necessary point of reference. * European Law Books - www.europeanlawbooks.org *

ISBN: 9780199277193

Dimensions: 242mm x 163mm x 24mm

Weight: 654g

336 pages