The Value of the EU International Values

This chapter focuses on the nature and effect of the values and principles enshrined in Articles 3(5) and 21 TEU, which set out the objectives and limits of the EU’s external action. It begins with some introductory remarks highlighting the constitutional significance of international values aimed at giving guidance to the conduct of the EU foreign relations power. The second part explores the tendency of the CJEU to use these values and principles as a means of enlarging the functional scope of the EU competences. The problematic issues flowing from this approach, in particular the relation between general objectives of the EU’s external action and particular objectives assigned to single areas, are discussed in the third part. The chapter concludes with a brief enquiry on the impact of general values and objectives on the principle of conferral.