Glossary on ExcellentWiki - Legal Encyclopedia

EU Legal Terms A-D

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A

Acquis — See Acquis communautaire. The accumulated body of EU law, including treaties, legislation, case law, international agreements, and general principles that all Member States must accept and implement. Candidate countries must adopt the full acquis before accession.

Advocate General — A member of the European Court of Justice who delivers reasoned opinions on cases assigned to them. Advocate Generals assist the Court by providing independent, impartial legal analysis; their opinions are not binding but are highly influential in shaping the Court’s judgments.

Glossary of EU Legal Terms (A-Z)

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This glossary defines key legal terms and concepts in European Union law, providing concise explanations for students, practitioners, and anyone seeking to understand the EU legal system.

A

Acquis Communautaire. The entire body of EU law, rights, and obligations binding all Member States. It includes treaties, legislation, case law, international agreements, and general principles. Candidate countries must accept the full acquis before accession.

Advocate General. A member of the European Court of Justice who delivers impartial opinions on cases. Advocates General assist the Court by providing independent legal analysis, though their opinions are not binding on the Court.

EU Legal Terms E-H

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E

European Court of Justice (ECJ) — The highest court of the European Union, formally the Court of Justice within the CJEU. It hears appeals from the General Court, delivers preliminary rulings under Article 267 TFEU, and adjudicates direct actions brought by Member States or institutions. Each Member State appoints one judge.

European Central Bank (ECB) — The EU institution responsible for monetary policy for the eurozone, established under Articles 282-284 TFEU. The ECB sets interest rates, conducts foreign exchange operations, and ensures price stability. It is independent from political influence and located in Frankfurt.

EU Legal Terms I-L

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I

Institutionelle Balance — Institutional balance, the constitutional principle governing the distribution of powers among the EU institutions. Each institution must act within the limits of the powers conferred on it by the Treaties and respect the powers of the other institutions. The principle, developed by the Court of Justice in Meroni (1956) and Chernobyl (1990), requires that no institution may encroach upon the prerogatives of another. The legislative function is shared between the Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure, the Commission holds executive powers and the exclusive right of legislative initiative, and the Court of Justice ensures judicial review.

EU Legal Terms M-Z

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

M

Mutual Recognition — The principle established in Cassis de Dijon (1979) requiring Member States to allow goods and services lawfully produced in another Member State to circulate freely within their territory. Exceptions are permitted only for overriding public interest requirements such as public health or consumer protection.

O

Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP) — The standard EU lawmaking process under Article 294 TFEU, formerly the co-decision procedure. The Commission proposes legislation, and the Parliament and Council act as co-legislators. If they disagree, a conciliation committee attempts to reach a compromise. OLP applies to most policy areas.