Legal Harmonization and Economic Integration in the European Union

• Dr. Sofia Romano

  Faculty of Law and Economics University of Bologna Bologna, Italy

  Author

Legal harmonization has been a cornerstone of European Union integration, aiming to reduce regulatory fragmentation and facilitate cross-border economic activity. By aligning national legal frameworks, the EU seeks to enhance market efficiency, promote fair competition, and support sustainable economic growth. This paper examines the role of legal harmonization in advancing economic integration within the European Union, with a particular focus on cross-border trade and business governance. Drawing on recent legal developments, economic data, and scholarly research from 2023 to 2025, the study analyzes how harmonized regulations affect transaction costs, market access, and corporate behavior. The findings suggest that while legal harmonization has significantly improved economic integration, persistent national differences and uneven enforcement continue to pose challenges. The paper concludes with recommendations to strengthen regulatory coherence and support deeper economic integration across EU member states.

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