What is Soft law?
Soft law means: Soft law is a shorthand for non-binding EU instruments such as guidance, recommendations and communications that influence behaviour without creating direct legal obligations. Source: Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, Article 288 and 1 other official source.
Why it matters
Soft law can become the practical benchmark for regulators and markets even before or without binding legislation.
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Frequently asked
What is Soft law?
Soft law is a shorthand for non-binding EU instruments such as guidance, recommendations and communications that influence behaviour without creating direct legal obligations.
Why does Soft law matter in EU policy?
Soft law can become the practical benchmark for regulators and markets even before or without binding legislation.
Where can I verify the definition of Soft law?
Lex cites Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, Article 288; EUR-Lex glossary of summaries for this definition and links the source records on this page.
Official sources
Definitions are short paraphrases of official records, not legal advice. For binding text, use the linked EUR-Lex act, Official Journal or EU institution page.
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