EC Library Guide on EU law: Introduction
Introduction
About this Library Guide
This Library Guide has been compiled to support the work of the European Commission. It may also be of interest to students, researchers and the wider public.
The Library Guide presents a curated selection of relevant sources on the topic: EU websites, EU publications, EU law, EU research results, peer-reviewed research journals and articles, books, think tank reports and news updates.
Use the Find-eR search box on the left to discover information sources on other topics that matter to you.
EU law
The European Union is based on the rule of law. This means that every action taken by the EU is founded on treaties that have been approved democratically by its members. EU laws help to achieve the objectives of the EU treaties and put EU policies into practice. There are two main types of EU law – primary and secondary.
Treaties are the starting point for EU law and are known in the EU as primary law.
The body of law that comes from the principles and objectives of the treaties is known as secondary law; and includes regulations, directives, decisions, recommendations and opinions.
Source: European Commission