This Policy Paper explains the acquis communautaire. This is the entire body of European laws and other related acts. Each member state should comply with the rules adopted by the community, with some exceptions. Opt-outs are not allowed for candidate countries. They have to accept the whole acquis that exist at the date they join the EU. This paper discusses the definition of the acquis; documents of the acquis e.g. Regulations, Directives, Decisions and Case law of the European Court of Justice; and the National Programme for the adoption of the Acquis... more >>