Exemptions to Primary Law and Equality of Member States

Michael Siman

doi:10.55073/2025.1.145-161

Authors

Michael Siman PhD., DEA, Full Professor, Faculty of Law, Pan-European University, Bratislava, Slovakia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4857-7613

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55073/2025.1.145-161

Keywords:

EU primary law, territorial scope, opt-out clause, opt-in, equality of Member States

Abstract

European Union (EU) law generally applies within the territories of its Member States, with certain exceptions, both permanent and temporary, to this rule. This paper aims to examine the nature of these exceptions and their potential impact on the consistency of EU law and the principle of equality of Member States. The analysis categorises and defines the various exceptions, identifies their distinguishing features, and assesses their consequences within the EU legal framework.

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