Directive
In Simple Terms
An EU law that sets goals for member states to achieve, but lets each country decide how to implement it through national legislation.
Formal Legal Definition
A legislative act of the European Union that is binding as to the result to be achieved, upon each Member State to which it is addressed, but leaves the choice of form and methods to national authorities, as per Article 288 TFEU.
Practical Example
The Anti-Money Laundering Directive sets minimum standards for preventing money laundering, but each EU country passes its own national law to implement those standards.
Difference from Related Terms
Unlike a Regulation, a Directive requires transposition into national law. Unlike a Decision, it is addressed to all member states and sets goals rather than specific obligations.
Why It Matters
Directives allow for harmonization of laws while respecting national legal traditions and giving member states flexibility in implementation.
Common Misunderstandings
A Directive does not automatically become law in member states. If a country fails to implement it on time, it may still have direct effect under certain conditions (Van Gend en Loos).
Related Terms
How snowLEX helps with Directive
snowLEX helps you compare how different EU member states have implemented the same Directive, track implementation deadlines, and find relevant national transposition legislation.
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