With full reference to relevant legislation and case law, consider the adequacy of the tools at the disposal of the European Commission to secure the implementation of EU law within Member States.

Outline example:

Introduction
(approx. 150 words)

• Briefly introduce the role of the European
  Commission in enforcing EU law.
• State the importance of ensuring EU law
  implementation within Member States.
• Outline the main points you will cover in
  your essay.

The European
Commission’s Role and Tools (approx. 300 words)

• Discuss the European Commission’s role as
  the guardian of the treaties and its responsibility to ensure that EU law
  is correctly applied.
• Overview of the tools at its disposal,
  including:
• Formal infringement proceedings (Articles
  258-260 TFEU).
• The EU Pilot mechanism for informal
  dialogue with Member States.
• Referrals to the Court of Justice of the
  European Union (CJEU).
• Financial penalties (as per Article 260
  TFEU).

Analysis of the
Tools’ Adequacy (approx. 800 words)

• Formal Infringement Proceedings:
• Discuss the process from sending a letter
  of formal notice to referring a Member State to the CJEU.
• Analyze effectiveness with reference to
  case law, e.g., Commission v. Italy (C-317/14) or other relevant cases.
• Consider the impact of these proceedings
  on Member State compliance.
• EU Pilot Mechanism:
• Explain the EU Pilot mechanism and its
  role in informal problem-solving between the Commission and Member
  States.
• Evaluate its effectiveness and efficiency
  in addressing non-compliance before formal infringement proceedings.
• Referrals to the CJEU and Financial
  Penalties:
• Discuss the impact of CJEU rulings on
  Member State compliance.
• Analyze the role of financial penalties
  in ensuring compliance, with reference to cases where penalties have been
  imposed, e.g., Commission v. France (C-416/17).
• Limitations and Challenges:
• Discuss any limitations or challenges
  faced by the European Commission in using these tools, such as political
  considerations, the complexity of EU law, and the time-consuming nature
  of legal proceedings.

Case Studies
(approx. 200 words)

• Provide one or two brief case studies that
  illustrate the Commission’s use of these tools in practice. Choose cases
  that highlight both successes and challenges in securing the
  implementation of EU law.

Conclusion (approx.
150 words)

• Summarize the key points made in your
  essay.
• Conclude on the adequacy of the tools at
  the European Commission’s disposal, considering their effectiveness,
  limitations, and the balance between enforcement and Member State
  sovereignty.
• Suggest any potential improvements or
  reforms that could enhance the Commission’s ability to ensure EU law
  implementation.