Keywords
EU law
Roman law
sincere cooperation
contract law
rule of law
case law
How to Cite
Abstract
The article analyzes the principle of good faith in the legal framework of the European Union (EU), emphasizing its multifaceted nature as both an ethical and legal cornerstone that integrates private and public law. Originating in Roman law as bona fides, it evolved into a fundamental standard. In private law, this principle is enshrined in the Principles of European Contract Law (PECL, Art. 1:201) and is used by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) to protect weaker parties, for example, in Directive 93/13/EEC on unfair contract terms, balancing freedom of contract. In public law, good faith is inextricably linked to the principle of sincere cooperation (Art. 4(3) TEU), obliging Member States and EU institutions to work loyally toward the Union’s objectives, fostering mutual trust. The study examines the interaction of good faith with other key EU principles, such as the rule of law, proportionality, and trust. In public law, it complements the rule of law, particularly in the context of candidate countries (e.g., the Western Balkans), and ensures the proportionality of EU measures. This synergy promotes institutional trust, crucial for initiatives like Next Generation EU. Despite this, the main challenge remains the lack of a clear normative definition of the principle. This leads to inconsistent interpretations across Member States’ diverse legal traditions. In private law, it creates conflicts with freedom of contract, and in public law, its application is complicated by political sensitivities, such as sanctions for rule of law violations. The article highlights the need for a clearer framework for the uniform application of good faith. The author suggests avenues for future research, including developing a clearer definition to harmonize private law and studying the principle’s application to new challenges, such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence. An analysis of good faith in EU enlargement is also proposed. The principle of good faith remains a vital tool for promoting justice, trust, and integration within the EU’s legal framework.
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