ABSTRACT

Although it is perhaps an over-simplification to use this analogy, if you think of the treaty as an enabling Act, then what is required is the equivalent of delegated legislation to provide the structure and detail necessary to produce an effective measure upon which individuals can base their actions and which the legal system can enforce. Hence we come to what are generally called secondary sources of Community law. These are listed in Art 288 TFEU as regulations, directives and decisions. Although recommendations and opinions are mentioned, these are not legally binding. This Article provides the key definitions of these Community administrative acts which are so important to the study of European law.