Publisher's Synopsis
This book is a 'must read' for legal practitioners and legal academics involved in the complicated procedural relationship between national law and European law. In principle, nations have procedural autonomy; however, European legislation has an impact on national procedures, an impact that is much greater than one would expect. Whether in practice or conducting research, one can no longer restrict oneself to national procedural law. In the areas of law covered in his book-public procurement, intellectual property, consumer protection and competition-Wilman conclusively shows that it is European law that sets out the main procedures to be followed by national courts and national legislators. To some, this may be frightening; to others, it creates new opportunities. All in all, this work is compulsory reading for anyone wishing an in-depth understanding of the enforcement of EU law in local courts.'
- Jan M. Hebly, Houthoff Buruma, the Netherlands
'This book offers a splendid, comprehensive overview of the ways in which private enforcement can help to reinforce the rule of law in the European Union. The lessons which the author draws from his analysis are certainly of interest to practitioners and scholars of European law. But there is a wider interest as well: while keeping in mind obvious differences, the experiences with EU law can also stimulate our thinking about where private claims and domestic courts could play a larger role in the enforcement of international economic law.'
- Marco Bronckers, Partner, VVGB Advocaten, Belgium
'The so-called 'private enforcement' of EU law before national courts is an area of growing importance. The book offers an excellent framework of the relevant legislation, remedies and case law. As such it is of great interest to both practitioners, whether they advise or litigate, and academics seeking a deeper understanding of private enforcement-related instruments.'
- Tom Ottervanger, Advocaat, Allen & Overy LLP, the Netherlands
Private Enforcement of EU Law before National Courts provides an in-depth analysis of how, when, and why the EU legislates to facilitate the private enforcement of EU law before the courts of Member States.
Conducting a detailed examination of the legal basis and prospects for private enforcement in the fields of public procurement, intellectual property law, consumer protection, and competition law, Folkert Wilman discusses not only the EU rules on remedies and procedures typically adopted, but also many broader issues arising such as: the EU's scope to act and the autonomy of the Member State, the legal and practical limits, and implications, of the EU's private enforcement model, as well as the fundamental rights dimension.
The thorough and practical treatment of private enforcement mechanisms makes this book an essential reference work for practising lawyers advising or acting before domestic courts in matters of EU law. Scholars will also be attracted by the questions it raises, and answers, relating to the relationship of the EU to Member States.
Key features of the book include:
- Expert authorship from a Member of the Legal Service of the European Commission
- Comprehensive assessment of EU legislation on the private enforcement of EU law before national courts
- Detailed examination of the legal basis for private enforcement at a general level, followed by consideration of its application across several substantive fields
- Extensive discussion of the scope for the EU to act vis-à-vis the autonomy of the Member State
- One of the first in-depth analyses of the recently adopted and widely debated Competition Damages Directive (No. 2014/104)
- Exposition of key case law relating to private enforcement and the remedies available to private parties.
