Most of these elements have been clarified over the last decade by legislation and other decisions of the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament, as well as by the case law of the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights.
Enamikku neist elementidest on viimase kümnendi jooksul Euroopa Nõukogu, Euroopa Komisjoni ja Euroopa Parlamendi seadustega ning ka Euroopa Kohtu ja Euroopa Inimõiguste Kohtu pretsedendiõigusega selgitatud.