7. EU law: is it international law?

Abstract

This chapter examines the legal nature of EU law, i.e. its place within the realm of international law. It first presents the ‘straightforward’ view that EU law is a part (or ‘sub-system’) of international law. It then considers the ‘alternative’ view that EU law, although originating in international law, is now so distinctive that it should no longer be considered to be part of international law. It concludes with a discussion of the EU as both an object and subject of international law.