International Law Within the EU Customary International Law in the European Union

The Lisbon Treaty expresses a clear 'friendliness' towards international law than was the case with the former Treaties. The provision assigns to the European Union (EU) a role in the development of international law through the promotion of its own values. TEU, a general provision on EU's external action, which holds the need to respect international law as one of the foundations for such action. This duty applies to all the institutions, political as well as judicial. One of the reasons for the continuing silence of the Treaties on these issues may be found in the distinctive position that general international law holds within the EU system. Customary international law in the EU system is connected with the very special relationship presently intervening between Member States and the EU while conducting foreign relations. Keywords:Customary International Law; European Union (EU); international law; Lisbon Treaty; Member States