International and European Context

The world we live in is organised in states. The system is based on the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) and in particular the principle of sovereignty. The latter implies that a state does not recognise any higher authority than the state itself and that a state should not interfere in the internal affairs of another state. In the present interdependent world this principle is discussed but remains a key building block.

All organisations function within the framework of this states based system. If for instance a company wants to export goods to another country, it needs the permission to export from its own state and the permission to import and sell from the receiving state. Most of these permissions are granted automatically through treaties and legislation but near invisibility does not imply non-existence. On the other hand, many companies are hardly aware of the need to comply with direct effects of human rights treaties.

Within the European Union (EU) the principle of sovereignty is even more under pressure. Three quarters of national legislations is for instance actually European legislation, invisible through incorporation into national legislation. All jobs and organisations are strongly influenced by European integration but the effects are hardly recognised. At the same the opportunities are also used to a limited degree.

A staff member internalisation should have a proper knowledge of this international framework and capable of assessing the effects on his or her own organisation and to advise the board accordingly. However, this need relates to unchartered waters and unexplored territories. Two examples from the EU may clarify the point. An international supermarket faced a fine of millions of euros for not complying with EU legislation on product names with a geographical