This book offers the first systematic investigation of the phenomenon of soft law within the framework of the EC (the first pillar of the EU), and its use by the European Commission and Council of Ministers. It focuses upon how soft law fits into the Community legal system, how it is used, and how it relates to Community legislation. Differentiation of the Community instruments, including the instruments of soft law, is often thought to enhance the effectiveness, legitimacy and transparency of the Community. This book asks whether soft law indeed provides a satisfactory alternative to...

In June 2004, the Association of the Councils of State and Supreme Administrative Jurisdictions of the European Union organised a two-day colloquium in The Hague, during which the quality of European legislation was discussed by representatives of the 25 Member States of the EU as well as of the Court of Justice for the EC. This book is based on, amongst other things, the General Report from that colloquium, the various national reports, and reports prepared by members of the Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance. More specifically the book deals with, inter alia, the European and...