Constitutionalising Networks in EU Public Law

Abstract

This paper has as objective to review some consequences of understanding EU law as the law of an integrated legal order. It does so in order to foster an understanding of EU public law beyond the traditional concepts of the EU as a quasi federal system or merely a refined international organization, a constitutional or an administrative legal order. It is a piece of work in progress, a contribution to on ongoing debate and reflection to meet the challenge of developing network accountability by constitutionalising networks that fit the specific nature of the EU. That is defined by its nature of exercising shared sovereignty by integrated executives and the ensuing network character of an increasing amount of actors and procedures in policy areas. The normative challenge for lawyers in EU public law is to develop the transparency, accountability structures from all sides.

Keywords: EU Law, Constitutionalism, Administrative Law, Executive Integration, Shared Sovereignty, Public Law, Transparency, Accountability