The Dynamics of “Integration through Law”

Martin Höpner

European principles complement and replace member state law not only on the basis of political decisions. Political integration is accompanied by very dynamic “integration through law.” The project analyzes the extensive interpretation of market freedoms and European competition law by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). It investigates the room for maneuver that allows the ECJ to enlarge the scope of application of market freedoms and competition law, as well as the reactions of the member states. The project also analyzes how the strategic interaction of national and European interests makes effective control of integration through law difficult. It further aims at identifying ways to more effectively protect member states’ labor market and social policy regimes.