Costa v Enel
Costa v ENEL is a landmark case decided by the European Court of Justice in 1964. It established the principle that European Union (EU) law takes precedence over the national law of member states. The case involved a dispute between an Italian citizen, Costa, and the Italian electricity company ENEL regarding the nationalization of electricity services. Costa argued that the EU treaty protected his rights. The court ruled that EU law, as part of the legal framework built by member states, has primacy, ensuring uniformity and integration across EU countries. This decision reinforced the authority of EU law in member states.
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Costa v. ENEL is a key case in European legal history decided by the European Court of Justice in 1964. It established the principle of the primacy of European Union law over national law. The case involved an Italian man, Costa, who argued that Italian legislation conflicted with EU rules on energy. The court ruled that EU law supersedes national law when there is a conflict, ensuring that member states adhere to EU obligations. This case helped solidify the legal framework of the EU, reinforcing the authority of European law in member countries.