Treaties – are the core of EU’s legislation.

Regulations – are directly applicable and binding to each member state.

Directives – require member states to develop legislation; member states are free to decide about the form and methods used to attain the objective provided that those are in line with the Directive.

Decisions – apply to individual cases, are addressed to member states, businesses, or individuals, are binding and directly applicable.

Recommendations and Opinions do not have a binding effect.