Looking for a starting point on European employment legislation? This section EU law guide directs you to our published FAQ and topic resources, then helps you move to more detailed guidance.
EU Law is a system of laws operating within the 27 member states (countries) of the European Union. Their legal principles includefw treaties, regulations, directives, decisions, recommendations and opinions that member states are obliged to follow.
The law is separated into two sources of EU law: 1. Primary Treaties and 2. Regulations, directives, decisions, recommendations and opinions.
The primary laws of the EU are contained in the treaties agreed between the member states. The secondary law are the regulations, directives, decisions, recommendations and opinions.
Fundamentals of EU Law #
The treaties (primary law) are binding agreements that set out the European Union’s objectives, institutional rules, decision-making processes, and the relationship between the EU and its members. They form the constitutional basis of how the EU is structured and governed.
The three main sources of primary law establishing the EU are: The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and the Treaty on the European Atomic Energy Community.
The treaties provide the detailed legal foundation for EU policies and institutional functions. In other words, EU laws are created to achieve the objectives of the treaties and to implement EU policies.
The rule of law is a fundamental EU value that allows for the application of EU law, protects citizens’ rights and supports to boost a well-functioning single market. The EU laws are crucial for the functioning and unity of the European Union, economic integration, and fundamental rights.
Important Articles #
EU Law: Frequently Asked Questions #
The European Union Law (EU Law) is a system of laws operating within the 27 member states of the European Union (EU). Their legal principles include treaties, regulations, directives, and decisions. Recommendations and opinions are non-biding instruments.
EU Law Tracker: Updates, Application Dates and Actions #
EU law updates can affect recruitment, employee consultation, reporting procedures and supplier contracts at different times. This tracker brings together selected developments relevant to employers, HR and European and local Works Councils, with the next milestone and a practical preparation action for each topic.
EU Law Tracker 2027: Updates, Application Dates and Actions.