EU directive vs EU regulation: what’s the difference

Knowing the difference between an EU Directive and an EU Regulation is an important distinction every EHS professional working and/or operating in the region should know.

EU Directive:

• Applicable to all Member States
  Sets certain aims, requirements and concrete results that must be achieved in every Member State
  Sets a process for it to be implemented by Member States
  National authorities must create or adapt their legislation to meet these aims by the date specified in each given Directive

EU Regulation:

• Immediately applicable and enforceable by law in all Member States
  As good practice, Member States issue national legislation that defines the competent national authorities, inspection and sanctions on the subject matter.