ABSTRACT
The original EC Treaty was economic in character and while it had a broad range of economic objectives, characterised by the ‘Four Freedoms’ and the addition of restrictions on anti-competitive practices, as well as a limited form of social policy in the form of Article 119 (now Article 157 TFEU), it was still relatively limited in its focus. However, a number of different policy areas have become important since the Treaty was first signed in 1957. Social policy has become a significant area in its own right and has been subject to major development (see Chapter 17). Even as early as 1972 discussion between the Member States identified the need for a distinct policy on the environment and environmental protection. As an extension to the ‘Four Freedoms’ and with a view to making the Single Market more effective a number of developments have also concerned consumer protection. The SEA and the TEU both included measures to include a wider range of policies now identified as both tasks and as activities (under Article 3). Specifically, the TFEU now includes provisions to include within the legal order of the Community policies on:
J consumer protection – Article 169 TFEU; J the environment – Articles 191-193 TFEU; J transport – Articles 90-100 TFEU; J trans-European networks – Articles 170-172 TFEU; J research and technological development – Articles 179-190 TFEU; J social policy, education, vocational training and youth – Articles 151-161 TFEU; J public health – Article 168 TFEU.
