Promoting European Constitutionalism? The Ambivalent Role of National Constitutional Courts from Solange I to Solange IV

Farahat A, Violante T (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Zeitschrift für ausländisches öffentliches Recht und Völkerrecht Max-Planck-Institut für Ausländisches Öffentliches Recht und Völkerrecht

Book Volume: 85

Pages Range: 569-598

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.17104/0044-2348-2025-2-569

Abstract

This paper focuses on the implications of Solange IV (‘Right to be Forgotten II’) and argues that this judgment is at least as bold as Solange I was at the time since it promises to overcome the classic ‘nationalisation’ of European conflicts and to make European Union (EU) constitutional law (fundamental rights) the focal point of debates about the decisions of a truly European polity. The paper argues that despite its German label, Solange IV is a truly European approach to which the German Federal Constitutional Court (GFCC) was only a latecomer. This new model bears the potential to catalyse a more genuine and meaningful engagement with the Charter by constitutional courts, thereby fostering the integrative dimension of EU constitutional law. This is potentially further strengthening the role of Art. 2 Treaty on European Union (TEU). At the same time, it risks the disintegrative effects of divergent national interpretations and still leaves room for sidelining EU standards through interpretation. Some domestic constitutional courts, however, seem to resist this new development, opting instead to rearticulate Solange II and combine it with a principle of consistent interpretation. While this is potentially an attractive avenue for constitutional orders with a strong social acquis, we argue that this strategy is neither without risks nor without alternatives.

Involved external institutions

Universität Wien / University of Vienna AT Austria (AT)

How to cite

APA:

Farahat, A., & Violante, T. (2025). Promoting European Constitutionalism? The Ambivalent Role of National Constitutional Courts from Solange I to Solange IV. Zeitschrift für ausländisches öffentliches Recht und Völkerrecht, 85(2), 569-598. https://doi.org/10.17104/0044-2348-2025-2-569

MLA:

Farahat, Anuscheh, and Teresa Violante. "Promoting European Constitutionalism? The Ambivalent Role of National Constitutional Courts from Solange I to Solange IV." Zeitschrift für ausländisches öffentliches Recht und Völkerrecht 85.2 (2025): 569-598.

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