Is there truly a competence ‘competition’ in shared matters? Towards a reform of the EU competences system

The present contribution aims to demonstrate that the principle of subsidiarity, in certain areas, has never been used to guide the identification of the most appropriate level to undertake action, since the objectives set out in the Treaties left no doubt as to who was responsible for exercising the relevant competence. In other sectors, however, it has progressively validated a mechanism aimed at ensuring a “coordinated” exercise of competences between national authorities and European institutions. Based on these considerations, the revision of the current allocation of competences is more necessary than ever, also to follow up on what has already emerged at the conclusion of the Conference on the Future of Europe.