Außenwirtschaftsrecht im Spannungsfeld zwischen Kompetenzverteilung, wertegeleiteter Handelspolitik und der Außenwirtschaftsfreiheit

Despite the enormous practical relevance of cross-border economic relations, especially for Germany, foreign trade law as a sub-area of public economic law is rarely considered systematically in academic literature and is almost completely absent from legal education. This article traces the systematics and lines of development of this dynamic area of law. The development of foreign trade law is analysed, on the one hand, along the delimitation of competences in the multi-level system of the EU and, on the other hand, along the change in trade policy objectives as a driver of comprehensive reforms. The relationship between the associated regulatory interests and the freedom of foreign trade is also discussed in this context. Particular attention is paid to the new developments of an increasingly value-based trade and foreign policy and the associated implications for the future design of foreign trade law in Europe.