Act
A formal written enactment produced by a legislature or governing body. These written laws are used to govern the behavior of individuals and organizations within a jurisdiction, prescribing rules, sanctions, and procedures for enforcing the law.
Directive
A type of legislative act issued by the European Union that sets out a goal for EU countries to achieve. However, it is up to the individual countries to devise their own laws on how to reach these goals.
Decision
A binding legislative act that is fully applicable to those to whom it is addressed (it can be one or more EU countries, an individual, or a company). Decisions do not require national legislation to be enacted.
Standard
A technical standard, which is a guideline developed by standards organizations. These are specifications intended to ensure the compatibility and quality of goods, services, and processes.
Regulation
A binding legislative act that must be applied in its entirety across the EU. Unlike directives, which can be implemented at the discretion of individual countries, regulations must be followed by all EU countries.
Public sector body
Any organization controlled by the government. It includes departments, agencies, or other bodies that are financed through public funds.
Private sector body
Any organization or business that is not owned or operated by the government. It is typically run for profit and is funded through private financing rather than public funds.
Digital services
Any service that is delivered through the internet or an electronic network. This encompasses a wide variety of services including, but not limited to, online marketplaces, social networks, and search engines.
Resources
- EU legal glossary on EUR-Lex
- EU Types of Legislation on the Euopean Union website