The Legal Limitations of the European Commission and Parliament in Engaging in War: An Examination through the Lens of International Law and the Rome Statute

The Legal Limitations of the European Commission and Parliament in Engaging in War: An Examination through the Lens of International Law and the Rome Statute

U. Ref.:          EC01/# 2024-0682

Abstract: This article delves into the legal constraints placed upon the European Commission (EC) and the European Parliament (EP) regarding their inability to engage in acts of war, non-proliferation, or support for military conflict. It highlights the relevant European Union (EU) treaties, the Rome Statute, and the broader framework of international law, asserting that any engagement by these bodies in such activities would constitute a breach of their legal mandate and potentially amount to war crimes.

I. Introduction The European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS) has issued warnings that the European Commission and the European Parliament lack the legal authority to engage in warfare, support for military conflicts, or activities related to non-proliferation. This article explores these warnings by scrutinizing the legal foundations that govern the powers of these institutions and the implications of any deviation from these legal norms.

II. Legal Framework Governing the European Commission and European Parliament

Treaty on European Union (TEU) and Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU): The foundational treaties of the EU, namely the TEU and TFEU, establish the competencies and limitations of EU institutions. The European Commission and the European Parliament derive their powers from these treaties, which explicitly outline their roles within the EU governance structure.

a. Article 17 TEU: The European Commission is primarily responsible for promoting the general interest of the Union and ensuring the application of the Treaties. It does not possess any authority to engage in defense or military operations.

b. Article 14 TEU: The European Parliament exercises legislative and budgetary functions. While it has a role in shaping foreign policy through the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), it does not have a mandate to initiate or support military actions.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP): The CFSP is a crucial element of the EU's external action. However, it is intergovernmental in nature and does not confer direct military authority on the European Commission or the European Parliament. Decisions regarding defense and military actions under CFSP are made by the European Council, composed of heads of state or government.

Article 42 TEU: This article clearly states that the EU does not have a common defense policy. While it provides for the eventual establishment of a common defense, any such move requires unanimous agreement by the European Council and must be ratified by member states.

III. Legal Authority for Defense and Military Engagement

Member State Sovereignty: Defense and military matters are reserved for individual member states. Articles 4(2) TEU and 5 TEU emphasize the principle of conferral, which means that the EU can only act within the limits of the competencies conferred upon it by the member states. Defense is not one of these conferred competencies.

Role of the European Council: The European Council, comprising the heads of state or government of the EU member states, is the body that can make decisions on defense matters. However, these decisions require consensus among all member states and are subject to national ratification processes.

IV. The Rome Statute and International Law

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC): The Rome Statute establishes the ICC and defines the international crimes within its jurisdiction, including war crimes. Under Article 8 of the Rome Statute, war crimes encompass serious violations of the laws and customs applicable in international armed conflict.

Implications for the European Commission and European Parliament: Should the European Commission or the European Parliament engage in or support acts of war, they would be acting outside their legal mandate, potentially violating the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute. Such actions could be construed as facilitating or committing war crimes, making individuals within these institutions liable under international law.

V. Analysis of ECIPS Warnings and Legal Precedents

ECIPS Warnings: ECIPS has raised concerns about the European Commission and European Parliament overstepping their legal boundaries by engaging in or supporting military actions. These warnings are grounded in the strict interpretation of EU treaties and international law, emphasizing that such actions fall outside the legal purview of these bodies.

Historical and Legal Precedents: a. Case Law from the European Court of Justice (ECJ): The ECJ has consistently upheld the principle of conferral, reinforcing that EU institutions can only act within the limits of the powers conferred upon them by the treaties. Any attempt to engage in military actions would be a clear violation of this principle.

b. International Criminal Tribunals: Precedents from international criminal tribunals highlight the accountability of individuals and entities that commit or support war crimes. The principle of individual criminal responsibility underlines that even high-ranking officials within EU institutions could face prosecution if they engage in unauthorized military actions.

VI. The Path Forward: Ensuring Compliance with Legal Norms

Strengthening Legal Awareness: There is a need for continuous education and awareness among EU institutions regarding their legal limitations and the potential consequences of overstepping their mandates. This includes regular training and legal briefings for officials within the European Commission and European Parliament.

Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms: Robust monitoring mechanisms should be established to ensure that EU institutions comply with their legal mandates. This could involve regular audits, legal reviews, and oversight by independent bodies.

Collaboration with Member States: EU institutions must work closely with member states to ensure that any actions related to defense and security are fully aligned with national laws and international obligations. This collaborative approach will help maintain the integrity of the EU's legal framework and prevent unauthorized military engagements.

VII. Conclusion

The European Commission and the European Parliament do not possess the legal authority to engage in acts of war, support military conflicts, or partake in activities related to non-proliferation. Such actions would constitute a breach of their legal mandates as defined by the TEU and TFEU, and could potentially be classified as war crimes under the Rome Statute. The warnings issued by ECIPS highlight the importance of adhering to these legal boundaries to prevent any unauthorized military actions and uphold the principles of international law.

References:

Treaty on European Union (TEU), Articles 14, 17, and 42.

Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Article 8.

European Court of Justice case law on the principle of conferral.

European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS) publications and warnings.

Note: This article provides a legal analysis based on the treaties and statutes governing the EU and international law. It aims to clarify the legal limitations of the European Commission and European Parliament concerning military engagements and highlight the potential legal ramifications of any deviation from these mandates.

Your Sincerely,

Ricardo Baretzky PhD in Law | IRM, Int.Dip (BLAW)
Information Policy and Security
National Cyber Security and AML | Bribery and Corruption Investigations.