‘The European Union has irrevocably strayed away from its initial economic goals and is now mostly

about people and their rights.’ Discuss with refernce to case laws

It is true that the European Union (EU) has moved away from its original economic objectives and is now
primarily concerned with people and their rights. The EU has expanded throughout time to include a
wider variety of goals, including the defence and promotion of basic rights, moving beyond its initial
economic roots. Numerous case laws that have formed the EU's legal system may be used to illustrate
this trend. Let's look at this more:

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) established the concept of direct effect in the
landmark case of Van Gend en Loos (1963), which permits people to rely on specific elements of EU law
before national tribunals. The significance of individual rights inside the EU legal system was highlighted
by this case, which also broadened the scope of how much the EU affects people's lives.

In the 1964 decision of Costa v. ENEL, the CJEU established the rule that EU law takes precedence over
national law. It was decided that EU legislation not only establishes individual rights but also contributes
significantly to the national legal frameworks of Member States. This case demonstrated the importance
of EU law in upholding citizens' rights and ensuring that EU regulations are applied consistently
throughout Member States.

The Stauder case from 1969 made a significant contribution to the preservation of basic rights inside the
EU. The CJEU acknowledged that member states are required to uphold basic rights, which are a part of
the EU legal system. The case highlighted the significance of human rights and their influence on the
legal system of the EU.

The ratification of the Charter in 2000 and its subsequent implementation into the Treaty of Lisbon in
2009 constituted an important milestone in strengthening the EU's commitment to human rights.
Numerous essential rights, including civil, political, economic, and social rights, are enshrined in the
Charter. It makes sure that an important part of EU legislation and governance is the preservation of
fundamental rights.

These judgements and the evolution of the Charter of Fundamental Rights serve as examples of how the
EU is placing more and more focus on defending and advancing individual rights. Economic goals are still
crucial, but the EU has realised how crucial it is to provide a high degree of protection for basic rights
across all of its programmes and initiatives.

It is important to note that the EU does not disregard the economic aspect of integration in favour of
focusing on people and their rights. Although the EU still places a high priority on economic objectives
and policies, they are now complimented by a larger commitment to social justice, human rights, and
the rule of law.

In conclusion, the EU has shifted its emphasis from its initial economic objectives to one that places a
major emphasis on people and their rights. The EU's dedication to defending and advancing
fundamental rights as an essential component of its legal system is demonstrated by the CJEU's case law
as well as the Charter of Fundamental Rights. While maintaining their importance, economic goals, the
EU also understands the necessity of protecting citizens' rights and well-being within the framework of
the European project.