Setting Norms and Promoting a Rules-based International Legal Order: Enhancing Strategic Autonomy Through the Autonomy of the EU Order

Abstract

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2023 8(2), 447-457 | European Forum Insight of 27 July 2023 | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. - II. The autonomy principle as a leverage to achieve open strategic autonomy. - III. The constitutional autonomy of the EU as a constraint on its strategic autonomy. - IV. Conclusion. | (Abstract) This Insight analyses whether and to what extent the legal implication of the EU operating as an autonomous legal order can contribute to also ensuring its strategic autonomy. The way the European Court of Justice has interpreted the autonomy principle and preserves the autonomy of the EU legal order enhances the strategic autonomy of the EU by preserving its freedom to act. But while its being an autonomous legal order can help the EU to promote a rules-based international order, its ambition as a norm-setting power remains largely dependent on the attitude of its Member States.

Keywords

• multilateralism
• strategic autonomy
• autonomy of the eu legal order
• norm-setting power
• external relations of the eu
• rules-based international order