3 ms·

Just a nitpick: there is really no such thing as "EU law". EU directives bind nations and force them to implement them in the local context, but any law you are

Just a nitpick: there is really no such thing as "EU law". EU directives bind nations and force them to implement them in the local context, but any law you are bound to is the local law. (The distinction is important in the current political climate, since the excuse "it's EU law" is abused by politicians to steamroll the local electorate into believing they have no say in the matter, and pretend they can not be challenged locally. That's how we got screwed with for instance data retention "laws" that are blatantly unconstitutional in several EU member states.)

rmc 13y ago
(a) There are "EU Regulation" which are actual laws. But "Directives" are more common. (b) Regardless, an EU Directive is essentially an "EU law". It's a distinction without much of a difference. (c) Some countries' constitutions say "All EU law/directives/whatever are binding and constitutional, unless the country leaves the EU". The Irish constitution has this sort of clause. (d) EU law/directives/regulation is created by the EU. Which we vote on. European Parliament elections are coming up in 2014. If you think you have no say in the EU, vote in the EP elections and vote in your national elections. Those 2 directly elected bodies control EU law.
flexie 13y ago
EU law is a term used for all regulation from the EU and sometimes for EU court rulings as well. Most EU legislation is issued as "directives" (such as the EU directive on money laundering), which are to be implemented by the member states in their local laws, or "regulations", which apply directly without any need for national implementation. Now, this distinction is blurred by the fact that directives also have direct effects in certain situations (so that the provisions of the directive can be invoked even if they are not implementer), for example when a member state fails to implement it on time or correctly.

rmc 13y ago

(a) There are "EU Regulation" which are actual laws. But "Directives" are more common. (b) Regardless, an EU Directive is essentially an "EU law". It's a distinction without much of a difference. (c) Some countries' constitutions say "All EU law/directives/whatever are binding and constitutional, unless the country leaves the EU". The Irish constitution has this sort of clause. (d) EU law/directives/regulation is created by the EU. Which we vote on. European Parliament elections are coming up in 2014. If you think you have no say in the EU, vote in the EP elections and vote in your national elections. Those 2 directly elected bodies control EU law.

flexie 13y ago

EU law is a term used for all regulation from the EU and sometimes for EU court rulings as well. Most EU legislation is issued as "directives" (such as the EU directive on money laundering), which are to be implemented by the member states in their local laws, or "regulations", which apply directly without any need for national implementation. Now, this distinction is blurred by the fact that directives also have direct effects in certain situations (so that the provisions of the directive can be invoked even if they are not implementer), for example when a member state fails to implement it on time or correctly.