The Ethical Spirit of EU Values

This book analyses the evolution of values ( ratione temporis ) and the questions of who is entitled and who is obliged ( ratione personae ). Besides the external perspective ( ratione limitis ; e.g., Brexit), it focuses on the composition of the EU’s common values ( ratione materiae ). As Art 2 TEU can be viewed as a hub, it is essential to focus on various relations, not only between values, but also between values and other provisions of EU law, as well as other concepts.

Based on this description of the status quo, the book subsequently addresses a possible future direction, arguing for an additional narrative (trust), an additional value (environmental protection), and a more communitarian Union. In closing, apart from the classical commitment of the EU and the Member States to uphold the values of the EU, the book discusses the level of individuals and values as virtues. Various figures and tables complement this overview of the status quo of the Union of values and outline of its future direction.