Legal Definitions - European law

European law refers to the various legal systems and frameworks that operate across the European continent. Its meaning can vary depending on the context, ranging from the specific laws of the European Union to a much broader collection of international agreements and customary practices.

• Most Commonly (European Union Law): In its most frequent usage, European law refers specifically to the body of law created by the European Union (EU). This includes treaties, regulations, directives, and decisions that apply to its member states and directly affect their national laws and citizens. The EU aims to create a single market and common policies, so its laws often cover areas like trade, competition, environmental protection, and consumer rights.

  Example: A Spanish technology company developing a new online service must ensure its data handling practices comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This EU regulation sets strict rules for how personal data of individuals within the EU must be collected, stored, and processed, regardless of where the company is based. This demonstrates European law as the specific legal framework established by the European Union.

• More Broadly (Including Council of Europe): A wider interpretation of European law includes the laws of the European Union, along with the conventions and treaties established by the Council of Europe. The Council of Europe is a separate international organization focused on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, with a broader membership than the EU. Its most significant contribution is the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

  Example: A citizen in a country that is a member of the Council of Europe believes their right to freedom of expression was violated by a national court ruling. After exhausting all legal avenues within their own country, they might bring their case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. This court interprets and enforces the ECHR, illustrating European law in this broader sense, encompassing human rights protections beyond just EU member states.

• Broadest Sense (All Law in Europe): In its widest possible meaning, European law encompasses all legal frameworks currently in effect across the European continent. This includes the laws of the EU and the Council of Europe, as well as treaties from other European organizations (like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - NATO), numerous bilateral (between two countries) and multilateral (between many countries) conventions, and even long-standing European customary law.

  Example: Several European nations, some EU members and some not, sign a new international treaty to standardize procedures for cross-border police cooperation in combating organized crime. This agreement facilitates the sharing of intelligence and coordinated law enforcement actions across their respective territories. This illustrates European law in its broadest sense, referring to international agreements and legal norms that govern relations and activities among various European states, irrespective of their specific organizational affiliations.