Private Model of Enforcement in European Union Law

Legal systems are generally enforced through two principal mechanisms. Firstly, their enforcement may rely on public enforcement by the state or an organ such as the Commission in the European Union (the "EU"). However, relying merely on public enforcement is generally inefficient. Secondly, the private model of enforcement may be applied, which allows individuals to take initiative to enforce laws. The experience within the EU provides a particularly good example of the coexistence and sometimes cooperation of both public and private enforcement models. Recognizing some powers and roles for the individuals in the enforcement procedures is a must, since the institutions of the EU cannot detect themselves all violations of Community law. The support by individuals is obviously beneficial and even necessary for the effectiveness of the enforcement of EU law. The logic of a 'Europe of Citizens " rather than a "Europe of States " requires that support.