An EU Directive is a form of legislation that is directed™ at the member states of the EU. Directives set out a goal or policy which needs to be achieved by the member states. A directive shall be binding upon each member state to which it is addressed, but shall leave to the national authorities the choice of form and methods. The member states are required to make the appropriate changes to their national legislation to implement the Directive. Normally this must be done within two years.
A wide range of issues is dealt with by directives, including some aspects of health and social policy.