This text investigates the foundational role and application of general principles of law within the European Union legal framework. Takis Tridimas, a professor of European Law and former Referendaire at the European Court of Justice, utilizes his extensive academic and practical experience to analyze how these principles function as interpretive tools. The book provides a systematic examination of how the European Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance employ these principles to shape legal outcomes across diverse regulatory contexts.

Legal scholars and practitioners frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the complexities of European judicial review. Experts highlight the academic rigor and the author's unique insight into the internal workings of the European Court of Justice.