This work investigates the legal integration of the freedom to conduct a business as a fundamental right within the European Union legal framework. Niall O'Connor examines the tension between economic liberties and social protections, analyzing how the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union has shifted the balance of power. The text provides a rigorous analysis of judicial interpretation and legislative policy to determine how these competing rights coexist in a modern regulatory environment.

Legal scholars and practitioners frequently cite this text for its focused analysis on the intersection of economic and social rights within the EU. Experts highlight the work as a useful resource for understanding the evolving jurisprudence surrounding the freedom to conduct a business.