The Role of Law in European Integration

After the Treaty of Nice, the European Union is at a crossroads. It is largely viewed negatively by its member states and inhabitants alike. This article investigates the accuracy of the negative view that Europe is threatened by alack of identity. Neither aspirations of peace, nor economic freedom, nor a European legal community, in its present condition, can any longer by themselves justify the European integration process, but rather that bad European law is leading in a variety of ways to dissatisfaction. Common tasks, paths of development and the shared goals of Europe, which justify further European integration, are delineated. It is shown how European and national law must be further developed into a European legislative theory and methodology, so that better law at the European and national levels can be created on the basis of acceptance and European identity. The article ends with a consideration of the immense significance of communication and language