Multilingualism, Divergent Authentic Versions of a Legal Rule and Legitimate Expectations Of Individuals

Abstract

The paper argues that the multilingualism of the EU legal order should be viewed from the point of view of the right of individuals to acquaint themselves with the their rights and duties under EU law in the official language of their Member State. In case of discrepancies of equally authentic versions, individuals should have the possibility to rely on an ‘authentic version’ defence, especially in tax, customs and criminal law relationships.

Keywords

• multilingualism
• interpretation
• legitimate expectations
• legal certainty
• non-discrimination