direktiivia

A direktiva, or directive, is a type of normative legal act commonly used in the European Union. It is binding on member states as to the results to be achieved, but it leaves to each state the choice of the form and means by which those results are reached. Unlike regulations, directives do not automatically create rights and obligations for individuals; they require national implementation.

Directives are adopted by EU institutions and set goals that member states must attain by a specified deadline. To become operative within a country, a directive must be transposed into national law through statutes, regulations, or administrative measures. If a state fails to transpose or correctly apply a directive, the European Commission can initiate infringement proceedings. In some circumstances, certain provisions of a directive may have direct effect, allowing individuals to rely on them in domestic courts after the directive becomes applicable and if the text is clear and unconditional.

Directives cover a wide range of policy areas, including environmental protection, consumer rights, labor law, and public procurement. They are a central instrument for harmonizing national laws across the EU while preserving national legal traditions and institutions. Directives differ from EU regulations, which are binding in full and immediately applicable in all member states without the need for transposition.

The term is used in several languages to denote this concept; in English it is “directive.” The idea behind a directive is to achieve common standards across jurisdictions while permitting national adaptation of rules and procedures.