Legal order: clarification

26.3.2018

Question for written answer E-001801-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Franck Proust (PPE)

In the context of its external action, the EU has signed or ratified a large number of international agreements, particularly in the area of trade and the fight against climate change. International disputes and tensions seem to be on the rise in the tense international atmosphere.

It is therefore vital to deal with any proceedings launched against the EU in full awareness of the legal value of European legislation and of the international agreements which have been ratified, down to the smallest detail.

Will the Commission answer the following questions:

• 1.What value do the recitals of the EU’s regulations have in international law? Have they ever been put forward and used in a dispute against the EU?
• 2.In the same vein and aside from any consideration of issues of interpretation, do the preambles of bilateral agreements have any legally-binding value?