ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of European law as a means of giving context to the specific laws analysed in the other chapters in Part II that follow. Where possible, the structure of the chapter is similar to Chapter 2 to enable comparisons to be more readily made with the international legal framework in Chapter 12. It begins with a historical summary of the development of the European Community and Union, outlining the jurisdiction given by the treaties. 1 The current difference between the EC and EU is explained, together with the relationship between the EC/EU and the international community, which is a recurring theme. The chapter next considers the major institutions in the legal process, the Council, Commission, Parliament and ECJ, as well as the MS and citizens of the EU.
