Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction. I. International institutional law -- II. Definition -- III. Classification -- Participants. I. Full members -- II. Associate members -- III. Partial members -- IV. Affiliate members -- V. Observers -- Rules for international organs. I. Powers. Attribution of powers -- Delegation of powers -- Sacrifice of powers -- Implied powers -- II. Composition of organs. Size -- Representation of members -- Use of individual experts -- Use of civil servants -- Equitable representation of interests -- Election of non-plenary organs -- Quorum -- III. Functioning. Sessions -- Officers -- Languages -- Policy-making and administrative organs. I. Classifying international organs -- II. Policy-making organs -- III. Secretariat -- IV. The European Commission -- Advisory and supervisory organs. I. Parliamentary organs -- II. Judicial organs -- Decision-making process. I. The concept of a decision -- II. Legal basis -- III. Initiative -- IV. Drafting of the text -- V. Decision-making by consensus -- VI. Voting -- VII. Entry into force of decisions -- VIII. Termination of decisions -- Financing. I. Expenditure -- II. Income -- III. Budget -- Legal order. I. Introduction -- II. Constitution -- III. Decisions of the organization -- IV. Other elements of the legal order -- Interpretation and settlement of disputes. I. Means of interpretation -- II. Authorities charged with interpretation -- III. Competence to request interpretation -- Supervision and sanctions. I. Definitions -- II. Supervision of the implementation of rules -- III. Official recognition of violations -- IV. Waiver of obligations -- V. Sanctions -- Legal status. I. Status in international law - II. Status in national law -- III. Duration -- External relations. I. Partners for external relations -- II. Instruments of external relations. Agreements -- Diplomatic relations -- Recognition of other subjects of international law -- Judicial actions and responsibility under public law -- Convening international conferences -- Issuing passports -- Depositary of treaties -- Registration of treaties -- Registration of ships and aircraft -- Flag, seal and emblem -- Concluding remarks.

"Rather than being a handbook for specific organizations, the book offers a comparative analysis of the institutional law of international organizations. It includes comparative chapters on the rules and practices concerning membership, institutional structure, decision-making, financing, legal order, supervision and sanctions, legal status and external relations. The books theoretical framework and extensive use of case-studies is designed to appeal to both academics and practitioners"--P. [4] of cover.