The Transformation of EU Treaty Making

Investigates the struggle between governments, parliaments, the people and courts over who participates in EU treaty making.

Explores the rise of people, parliament and courts in EU treaty making since 1950. Relevant to students and scholars in fields such as EU law and politics, comparative constitutionalism, international law and relations. Its reform ideas are highly relevant for European policy-makers and Europe watchers worldwide.Treaty making is a site of struggle between those who claim the authority to speak and act on the international stage. The European Union (EU) is an important test case in this respect because the manner in which the Union and its member states make treaties has shifted significantly over the last six decades. Drawing insights from EU law, comparative constitutionalism and international relations, this book shows how and why parliaments, the people and courts have entered a domain once dominated by governments. It presents qualitative and quantitative evidence on the importance of public trust and political tactics in explaining this transformation of EU treaty making and challenges the idea that EU treaties are too rigid. Analysing legal developments in the EU and each of its member states, this will be essential reading for those who wish to understand the EU's controversial experiment in treaty making and its wider significance.