Acquis communautaire facts for kids

The Community acquis, often called the EU acquis or just acquis, is a big collection of all the rules, laws, and agreements that make up the European Union law. Think of it as the EU's rulebook, built up since 1993. The name comes from French: acquis means "what has been gained or collected," and communautaire means "of the community." So, it's like the "community's achievements" or "what the community has gathered."

This collection includes all the treaties, laws (like regulations and directives), decisions made by the European Court of Justice, and international agreements the EU has signed. When a country wants to join the European Union, it must agree to follow all of the acquis. This means they have to adopt all these rules and laws into their own country's legal system.

What is the Acquis?

The acquis is not just one document; it's a huge and growing set of rules. It covers almost every area where the EU works, such as:

• Free movement: Rules that allow people, goods, services, and money to move freely between EU countries.
• Environment: Laws to protect nature and fight climate change.
• Consumer protection: Rules to keep consumers safe and fair.
• Competition: Laws to make sure businesses compete fairly.
• Justice and home affairs: Rules about things like fighting crime and border control.

Why is the Acquis Important?

The acquis is super important because it makes sure that all EU countries follow the same basic rules. This helps the EU work smoothly and fairly.

• Fairness: It ensures that all member countries have the same rights and responsibilities.
• Stability: It provides a stable legal framework for businesses and citizens across the EU.
• Unity: It helps bring countries closer together by having shared goals and rules.

The Schengen Acquis

Sometimes, the term acquis is also used for specific parts of EU law. For example, the Schengen acquis refers to the rules about border control and free movement within the Schengen Area. This area allows people to travel between many European countries without showing their passport at borders. These rules were created under the Schengen Agreement before they officially became part of the wider EU law.

See also

In Spanish: Acervo comunitario para niños