The European Constitution

by Jacques Ziller

Although, until very recently, the word constitution was noticeably absent from the EU's political vocabulary, this formerly taboo word has surfaced in dramatic fashion. In order to bridge the gap between the institutions of the EU and its citizens, the European Convention of 2002-2003 developed a single, integrated constitutional text, which has now been adopted by the heads of all EU Member States and is winding its way through the politically treacherous path of ratification. This remarkable book offers a first in-depth analysis of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. As the author constitutional law expert Jacques Ziller notes, the new Constitution is in many ways a grand integration of elements from existing European law (most importantly from the case law of the European Court of Justice), yet at the same time the new text features groundbreaking innovations with far-reaching implications for the future of Europe. Combining legislative history, acute insight, rigorous analysis, and detailed supplementary information, The European Constitution elucidates the genesis, growth, and future implications of the EU's constitutional development. Professor Ziller's treatment examines and illuminates the following subjects, among As one of the book's most extraordinary features, the commentary is regularly accompanied by tables illustrating essential terms and concepts pertinent to the discussion. A first publication of the book in France and Italy just after the end of the Convention's work proved such a success that a second edition was requested as soon as the final text of the Treaty was approved. The fate of the Constitution will be determined by the vagaries of the ratification process. Yet whatever the outcome, Professor Ziller has rendered an indispensable service, as the principles and arguments crystallised in this moment of Europe's political history will continue to exercise a profound effect on its future development. And while the breadth and precision of the knowledge embodied in this work is prodigious, the presentation is clear, simple, and captivating. It is sure to be useful to anyone interested in the new European Constitution the uninitiated and the seasoned veteran alike. Jacques Ziller is a Professor of Law at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, on leave from the University Paris I Panthand#233;on-Sorbonne. He has authored numerous books and articles concerning various aspects of European Union law, as well as many other legal topics, and has taught at several major universities and training institutions in France, Belgium, Spain and The Netherlands. He is fluent in French, English, German, Dutch, Italian and Spanish. During the European Conventions work, Professor Ziller served as Counsel to the EU Committee of the Regions and thus brings an insider's perspective to the evaluation of its work.

163 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2005

About the author

Born 1951, French nationality, Professor of European Union Law at the University of Pavia, Faculty of Political Sciences.

Studied at Paris II and Paris IV Universities as well as at the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po.). PhD degree in law from Paris II University (Doctorat d’Etat en droit), post-graduate diplomas (Dipômes d’Etudes supérieures) in law and political science, graduate diploma of the Paris Institute of Political Studies, as well as a graduate diploma (Licence ès lettres) in German language and literature.

Has been teaching French public law and comparative public law, European community law and international law, as well as public administration as an assistant professor at Paris II University (1980-1985), as an associate professor at ESSEC Business School (Cergy-Pontoise, 1980-1985) and later as a professor at the University of French West-Indies and Guyana (Guadeloupe-FWI, 1989-1991) and at University Paris 1, Panthéon-Sorbonne (1992-2007 – on secondment from 1/09/1998 to 30/09/2007), where he held amongst other the course on Administrative justice (contentieux administrative) . Professor of Comparative Public Law the European University Institute, Florence from September 1st 1998 until 2008. Head of the Law Department from 1 October 1999 to 31 October 2003.

Specialized in research and training for senior civil servants in the fields of comparative public administration and management and also in the field of European affairs and regional integration when working as a lecturer and later an associate professor at the European Institute of Public Administration (IEAP/EIPA-Maastricht, The Netherlands, 1986-1989) and Director of research and publications at the International Institute of Public Administration (IIAP, Paris, France, 1992 -1995). Chief Editor of the Revue française d’Administration publique from January 1992 to September 1995. Visiting Professor at the College of Europe (Bruges, Belgium) from 1993 to 1998, and at the Universitat Autonoma (Barcelona, Spain) from 1994 to 1997.