Exporting the Acquis communautaire through European Union external agreements

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This study explores the legal dimensions of "acquis communautaire," utilizing primary sources to define its scope within EU legal discourse. It begins by examining both the internal and external dimensions of the concept, each with distinct objectives. The internal dimension aims to ensure the consistent development of EU law while safeguarding the EU's heritage by Member States. In contrast, the external dimension has a dual purpose: to promote the acquis communautaire abroad, encouraging third countries to reach the EU's level of economic, political, and legal cooperation, and to inspire these countries to adopt shared European and international democratic values, thus maintaining the integrity of the acquis in external relations. The book argues that the external dimension lacks coherence, reflecting the specific objectives of EU relations with third countries. To support this hypothesis, it analyzes various EU external agreements, including those related to association, trade, and development. The work highlights the connection between the political environment and the obligations of third countries regarding the acquis in their agreements with the EU. Ultimately, it concludes that the acquis communautaire is a complex, dynamic legal category influenced by the general objectives of EU external agreements and the nature of bilateral relations, shaped by the broader political context.