Die gemeinsame Handelspolitik im Europäischen Verfassungsverbund

The Common Commercial Policy (CCP) of the European Union (EU) has recently been attracting increasing media attention. This volume continues contributions by leading scholars and examines the question whether the CCP is suitable to build a constitutional framework for the common commercial policy following the extensive reforms of the Treaty of Lisbon. It reveals an asymmetrical structure of constitutionalisation: On one hand, the democratic legitimacy has been massively increased. On the other hand, the ongoing denial of direct effects of trade agreements – among other things – weakens constitutional elements. This corresponds to the trend of a generally stronger emphasis on national sovereignty around the globe. From a constitutional perspective it nevertheless represents regression or at least the lack of progress.