Contemporary Concept of Confederation in Europe - Lessons drawn from the Experience of the European Union

Abstract

I. Brief analysis of certain concepts / A. Federalism / B. Supranationality / C. The difference between an international organisation and a confederation / D. Considerations on the definition of a confederation / 1. Is the Confederation a subject of international law? / 2. Can the confederation exert direct jurisdiction over individuals? / III. The legal nature of the european edifice / A. Developments / 1. Factual developments / 2. Legal developments / B. Tentative legal description / 1. Internal viewpoints / 2. The Community point of view / 3. The interstate, hence international, nature of the European edifice / 4. The European Union is a confederation of states