Law & Justice

Barrister: EFTA, EEA Membership Are Not Viable Post-Brexit Options

November 30, 2018

UK barrister Martin Howe QC explains why a post-Brexit arrangement in which Britain enters the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) or remains in the European Economic Area (EEA) would require the UK to follow rulings of the EU courts and not allow it to regain control of its laws and trade policy.
Auditors Seek Stronger Supervision of Application of EU Law

November 30, 2018

The European Court of Auditors has published a review of the European Commission’s (EC) oversight of the application of EU law by the bloc’s member states, calling for the EC to strengthen its supervision in this area, including by using the EU budget “in a more coordinated manner” to ensure governments apply EU law.
Paper Criticizes UK Deal on Post-Brexit ECJ Control

November 28, 2018

In a new paper, UK barrister Dr. Gunnar Beck examines why the “activist and integrationist” approach the Court of Justice of the EU (ECJ) has taken toward interpreting EU law heightens the risks involved in the UK’s decision, as spelled out in its draft Brexit deal with the EU, to submit to ECJ supervision of the agreement.
European Businesses Criticize Proposed Digital Tax

November 07, 2018

The Washington Post reports that European digital business owners are criticizing an EU proposal seeking to impose a digital services tax on the profits offshore companies generate from European users, arguing the proposal would have a “disproportionate impact on European companies” and could result in double taxation.
ECJ Orders Poland to Reinstate Supreme Court Judges

October 24, 2018

The Court of Justice of the EU (ECJ) has determined that Polish legislation lowering the retirement age of judges on the country’s Supreme Court violates EU law and has ordered the Polish government to reinstate judges who have been removed from the Court as a result of the change.
EC Refers Poland to Court over Judicial Retirement Law

September 26, 2018

The European Commission (EC) has referred to the Court of Justice of the EU its legal challenge against a Polish law reducing the retirement age of current judges on the country’s Supreme Court, asserting the legislation infringes EU rules on the independence of the judiciary.
Hungary Considers Legal Challenge to EP Resolution

September 19, 2018

Politico reports that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced his government is considering a legal action in the Court of Justice of the EU to overturn a vote by the European Parliament (EP) calling for sanctions against Hungary over a “systemic threat” to the rule of law in the country.
EU Ban on Halogen Bulbs Enters into Force

September 05, 2018

EcoWatch reports that an EU ban on the sale of halogen lightbulbs went into effect at the beginning of this month, as the supranational authorities push consumers toward purchasing more efficient, higher-priced LED bulbs as part of the bloc’s policies combating climate change.
EC Advances Procedure over Polish Judicial Retirement Rules

August 15, 2018

The European Commission (EC) has advanced its legal proceedings against Poland over legislation lowering the mandatory retirement age of Supreme Court judges by sending a “Reasoned Opinion” to Polish authorities demanding that the country comply with EU law on judicial independence.
Germany Pays Benefits to 260,000 Children Living Abroad

August 15, 2018

The Express reports that the German Finance Ministry has determined citizens of other EU member states working in Germany are claiming monthly child benefits for over 260,000 children living outside the country, leading critics to warn that EU rules encourage benefits shopping in rich EU countries.