THE TREATY OF ROME ESTABLISHED THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY IN 1957

Since the United Kingdom joined the European Community in 1972 you have become a Citizen of Europe.

The Treaty laid down the basic principles for the work of the Community. The basic principles are the "Four Freedoms" of movement of goods, persons, services and capital. Whether you are a private individual, an employee or own your own business European Community Law will affect your rights and obligations. In many cases it will affect you most advantageously and your solicitor will be able to advise you of changes. Your solicitor will have access to the information resources service of the Northern Ireland Centre in Europe, of which the Law Society of Northern Ireland is a sponsor.

As a private individual you may be going on holidays to Europe or thinking of buying a second home there. You might even think of retiring to a warmer climate! Your solicitor will be able to advise on buying property in Europe, on your consumer rights there, on the transfer of money, and on your entitlement to pensions and health benefits; even simple matters such as the validity of your driving licence.

As an employee, the "Four Freedoms" allow you to seek employment within another EC country, to have your qualifications recognised in other countries. European Community Law has also affected the Equal Opportunities legislation, training programmes, health and safety measures.

Your solicitor, through the Law Society of Northern Ireland's Library, and through Northern Ireland Solicitors' European Group seminars, will have access to European Community Directives which have affect on your work and will therefore be able to keep you advised.

If you are in business you will already know about the business expansion opportunities which the European Community has brought. There will be opportunities for seeking contracts through Europe and already it is easier to move goods from place to place and to find capital. However corresponding obligations have been introduced e.g. changes in product liability standards, insurance requirements, financial services, transport and so on... Your solicitor will be able to point you in the right direction.

No matter what your circumstances European Community Law will be affecting you just as much as national law. As always your solicitor is the best person to advise you on the law; he has access to national and European contracts; he is independent and he has your best interests at heart.

See Your Solicitor First.