EUrättsakter

EUrättsakter refers to the legal acts of the European Union. These are the formal instruments through which the EU legislates and sets its policies. The primary legal acts are defined in Article 288 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). These include regulations, directives, decisions, recommendations, and opinions.

Regulations are binding in their entirety and directly applicable in all member states without the need for national implementing legislation. Directives are binding as to the result to be achieved, but leave the choice of form and methods to national authorities. Decisions are binding in their entirety upon those to whom they are addressed, which can be member states, individuals, or companies. Recommendations and opinions are not binding.

Beyond these, other legal acts exist, such as international agreements concluded by the EU, common positions, and joint actions in the area of common foreign and security policy. The process of adopting EUrättsakter typically involves the European Commission proposing legislation, which is then debated and adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, often through the ordinary legislative procedure. These acts are essential for the functioning of the single market, the harmonization of laws across member states, and the implementation of EU policies.