European Court of Justice

This text offers a broad ranging assessment of the European Court of Justice's contribution to the integration process. It shows how the Court has taken advantage of opportunities when they have arisen in the European political process to "constitutionalize" the founding treaties, and to exert a strong influence on policy decisions. It also examines why the Court's active role has not encountered greater opposition and analyzes the implications for the Court of current issues and challenges confronting the European Union.