Policy measures of the European Union

The European Union uses a range of legal instruments to implement policy, varied across two major decision-making processes co-decision and cooperation procedure.

They are chiefly intended as statements of Commission policy, rather than a consultation or starting point for debate.

Communications usually set out a Commission action plan (may include concrete proposals for legislation).

There are often described as soft law, and the Commission has been accused of using Recommendations to avoid lengthy and politically sensitive consultations.

Decisions (by Council or Commission) apply specifically to one or more member states and are directly binding.