The European Community from its establishment attempted to enhance the economic integration and also to complete it with a political one. In European Union, as we know today, there are plenty of institutions and organs that serve this aim. Common Market-and its part of Internal Market- is the main tasks of European Union and the four fundamental freedoms of goods, persons, services and capital are to be ensured and encouraged within the European area. From the creation of European Community the removal of tariff barriers was essential for further integration, which easily came into force, by establishing Customs Union. The European Union in order to enhance the trade between the Member States and also to promote deeper integration adopted the harmonization policy, which simply means the approximation of all national laws that implies and confirms the supranational character that EU has (at least in some areas). Although, the harmonization policy is more secure for a supranational body, as EU is, has also disadvantages that mostly came into light from the practical experience. The New Approach Directives and the principle of Mutual recognition were adopted by the EU not only due to the weaknesses of the harmonization policy but more to eliminate these weaknesses. Following there is an attempt to examine the Old in comparison with New Approach and particularly to observe the Mutual Recognition principle and the new regulations that are being into force.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- A. Introduction
- B. Internal Market.
- B.1 The Evolution of the Internal Market ....
- B.2 Barriers to Trade
- C. Old Approach (Harmonization)...
- C.1 Product Standards ...
- C.2 CE Marking
- D. New Approach (Harmonization & Mutual Recognition).
- D.1 Mutual Recognition
- D.2 Harmonization Vs Mutual Recognition
- D.3 Regulations after 2008.
- E. Conclusion........
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the evolution and implementation of mutual recognition of product standards within the European Union. It examines the shift from a harmonization-based approach to a more flexible system that emphasizes mutual recognition between member states.
- The development of the European Internal Market and its objectives
- Obstacles to free trade, including tariff and non-tariff barriers
- The harmonization approach to product standards and its limitations
- The introduction of the New Approach and the principle of mutual recognition
- The impact of recent regulations on mutual recognition
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- A. Introduction: The paper introduces the concept of mutual recognition and its importance in the context of the European Union's economic integration and political objectives. The evolution of the European Community and the need for harmonization policies are discussed.
- B. Internal Market: This chapter examines the role of the Internal Market in achieving the goals of the European Union. It highlights the four fundamental freedoms of goods, persons, services, and capital as cornerstones of a single market without barriers to trade. It outlines the historical development of the Internal Market, including the establishment of the Customs Union and the adoption of the Single European Act.
- B.1 Evolution of the Internal Market: This section delves deeper into the historical development of the Internal Market, emphasizing the role of the White Paper and the Single European Act in achieving a single market by 1992. It also touches upon the abolition of customs duties and the emergence of non-tariff barriers as obstacles to trade.
- B.2 Barriers to Trade: This section focuses on the different types of barriers to trade, particularly non-tariff barriers like technical requirements that can hinder free movement of goods. It emphasizes the importance of fair competition and the need for eliminating these barriers to achieve a truly integrated market.
- C. Old Approach (Harmonization)...: This chapter explores the traditional approach to product standards, characterized by harmonization of national laws. It discusses the role of product standards and the CE marking system in ensuring compliance and free movement of goods within the EU.
- C.1 Product Standards...: This section delves into the specifics of product standards and their role in facilitating trade by ensuring the quality and safety of products. It highlights the challenges associated with harmonization, particularly the need for a balance between protection and competitiveness.
- C.2 CE Marking: This section explains the significance of the CE marking as a visible symbol of conformity to EU standards. It highlights the importance of CE marking in facilitating free movement of goods within the EU market.
- D. New Approach (Harmonization & Mutual Recognition): This chapter introduces the shift from a purely harmonization-based approach to a more flexible system incorporating mutual recognition. It emphasizes the importance of mutual recognition as a mechanism for reducing regulatory burdens and promoting innovation.
- D.1 Mutual Recognition: This section delves into the concept of mutual recognition and its implications for product standards. It explains how mutual recognition allows member states to accept products certified according to the standards of other member states. It highlights the potential benefits of this approach in terms of reduced costs and increased efficiency.
- D.2 Harmonization Vs Mutual Recognition: This section contrasts the harmonization approach with the mutual recognition approach, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that leverages the benefits of both harmonization and mutual recognition. It highlights the potential for mutual recognition to reduce the need for extensive harmonization and provide greater flexibility for member states.
- D.3 Regulations after 2008: This section explores the impact of recent regulations on mutual recognition and how they have contributed to the evolution of the system. It highlights the ongoing process of adapting regulations to the changing landscape of the EU and the importance of ongoing research and discussion.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key terms and concepts explored in this text include: European Union, internal market, mutual recognition, harmonization, product standards, non-tariff barriers, free trade, Single European Act, CE marking, regulatory burdens, and innovation.
- Citation du texte
- Stavroula Chrisdoulaki (Auteur), 2010, Mutual Recognition of Product Standards, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/160555
