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Law

Discover how EU law is made, applied, and enforced. Learn about court rulings, legal compliance, and how you can contribute to shaping EU policies.

Law-making process

The European Commission plays a key role in the creation, implementation, and enforcement of EU laws. This process ensures that legislation is well-planned, properly evaluated and effectively applied across all Member States.

  1. Planning and proposals

    The European Commission proposes new laws based on political priorities, expert input, and public consultations. It follows a Better Regulation approach to ensure efficiency and impact.

    Law-making process 

    Planning and proposing law 

    Better Regulation

    Types of EU law 

  2. Adoption

    Legislative proposals are debated and approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Most legislation follows the Ordinary Legislative Procedure, requiring agreement from both institutions.

    Adopting EU law

  3. Evaluating and improving laws

    Existing laws are regularly assessed to ensure relevance and effectiveness, incorporating public feedback and expert reviews. 

    Evaluating laws, policies and funding programmes

  4. Tracking law-making

    Stay updated on legislative developments. 

    Track law-making

Application of EU law

Member States must apply EU laws and integrate directives into national legal systems. The European Commission monitors compliance.

If a country fails to apply EU law correctly, the Commission may take legal action, potentially leading to cases at the Court of Justice of the EU. This is called the infringement procedure. Citizens can report violations, with whistleblower protections in place.

The EU also supports judicial cooperation to resolve administrative or legal matters across Member States, making it easier for people and businesses to operate across borders.

Implementing EU law

Responsibilities of the Commission and EU countries in implementing the EU law

Cross-border cases

Resolving administrative or legal issues that involve two or more EU countries

Contribute to EU law-making

Citizens, businesses, and organisations can participate in EU law-making through public consultations and surveys. The European Citizens' Initiative allows EU citizens to propose new laws with one million signatures from multiple Member States.

Legal information and resources

Users can explore and search for a wide range of legal documents, including:

  • EU law (regulations, directives, decisions, treaties).
  • National law that implements EU directives or relates to European legal matters.
  • International agreements between the EU and other countries or organisations.

Citizens can also search the EU law by topic. 

The Commission also provides resources to help individuals and businesses find qualified legal experts, including lawyers, legal translators or interpreters, mediators and notaries.

Find a legal professional 

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