Lecture Notes: Introduction to Internal Market Law

Overview

• Introduction to the concept of the internal market within the European Union (EU).
• Examination of the importance of understanding the purpose and limitations of the internal market.
• Explanation of upcoming focus on free movement rules and competition law.

Definition of the Internal Market

• Source: Article 26, Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
• Key Definition: An area without internal frontiers allowing free movement of goods, persons, services, and capital.
• Terminology: Terms like "single market" and "common market" are synonymous with "internal market".

Purpose of the Internal Market

• Historical Context: EU integration aims to prevent situations like World Wars.
• Political Goals: To ensure peace among member states.
• Instrumental Role: Article 3 of the Union Treaty identifies the internal market as a tool to achieve these goals.

Functioning of the Internal Market

• Interdependency:

  • Free movement fosters interdependency among member states.
  • Reliance on goods, services, and capital from other states decreases the likelihood of conflict.

• Economic Growth:

  • Integration leads to greater economic growth than individual states alone.
  • The collective economic capacity of the EU exceeds the sum of its parts.

Upcoming Topics

• Further exploration of economic underpinnings.
• Examination of relationships and competition law.
• Legal creation and maintenance of the internal market.

Key Takeaways

• The internal market is a tool for peace and economic growth within the EU.
• Understanding of the market’s legal and economic dimensions is crucial for further study.
• Anticipation of deeper dives into specific rules and legal frameworks in upcoming lectures.