The Institutional Dimension of the European Union's Area of Freedom, Security and Justice

Since the Treaty of Amsterdam (1999) the European Union's «Area of freedom, security and justice» (AFSJ) has become one of the most dynamic and fastest expanding European policy-making domains. With objectives such as enhanced internal security, a better management of migration challenges and improved access to justice the AFSJ addresses some fundamental concerns of European citizens. The institutions of the Union have to deliver on these objectives - and this book provides the first comprehensive analysis of how they have reacted and adapted to the specific challenges of the construction of the AFSJ. It covers all of the major Union institutions as well as the special agencies set up for police, judicial and border cooperation purposes. The book brings out the dynamics of institutional change and their impact on policymaking, taking into account also the new prospects offered by the 2009 Treaty of Lisbon reforms.

Beatrice Ask: Preface - Jörg Monar: The Institutional Framework of the AFSJ: Specific Challenges and Dynamics of Change - Hans G. Nilsson/Julian Siegl: The Council in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice - Richard Lewis/David Spence: The Commission's Role in Freedom, Security and Justice - Emilio De Capitani: The Evolving Role of the European Parliament in the AFSJ - Vassilis Hatzopoulos: Casual but Smart: The Court's New Clothes in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ) after the Lisbon Treaty - Michael Niemeier/Marc André Wiegand: Europol and the Architecture of Internal Security - Maylis Labayle/Hans G. Nilsson: The Role and Organisation of Eurojust: Added Value for Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters - Mintze Beuving: Frontex: Its Role and Organisation - Gilles de Kerchove/Serge de Biolley: The EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator - Emmanuel Barbe: Liaison Magistrates: A Success Story - Charles Elsen: Personal Reflections on the Institutional Framework of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice.