Implementation of the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union at the Spanish local level after 30 years

Abstract

After the accession of Spain to the European Communities thirty years ago, it is necessary to analyze the implementation of EU Law by Spanish local governments. The case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union –framed through the preliminary reference procedure and infringements cases- shows the areas of local government more influenced by European integration. The breach of EU Law implies financial consequences in fields such as compensations, penalties for non-compliance with judgments and financial corrections imposed to Spain because of the management of European funds by local governments. Since 2014, in Spain a special procedure has been implemented for dealing with this kind of consequences and it is applicable not only to the State and the Autonomous Communities, but also to local governments.

Keywords:

local government, EU Law, case law, financial responsibility, damage, financial correction