Legal acts
Regulations, directives and decisions are the most important legal instruments in EU law.
- Regulations are directly binding on all.
- Directives are binding for member states but can also have direct effect and give rights to citizens and companies.
- Decisions are legally binding on those to whom they are directed.
Recommendations and opinions are not legally binding.
Treaties with third countries and international organisatioons are directly binding in all member states as regulations.
See also Number of laws and Delegated acts