EU Legislation & Case Law

Access EU law directly. Search and retrieve Directives, Regulations, Decisions, Treaties and CJEU case law from EUR-Lex.

Capabilities

| Action | Method | |-------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Search legislation/case law | EUR-Lex Search | | Document info, status, modifications | EUR-Lex /ALL/ | | Procedure history | EUR-Lex /HIS/ | | National transposition status | EUR-Lex /NIM/ | | National transposition full text | Official National Databases (27 MS) |

Method 1: EUR-Lex Search (Semantic Search)

Best for: Finding documents by concept, topic, or keyword.

URL Pattern

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/search.html?scope=EURLEX&text=QUERY&lang=LANG&type=quick&locale=LOCALE

Languages (All 24 Official EU Languages)

| Language | Code | Native Name | |-------------|------|--------------------| | Bulgarian | bg | Български | | Czech | cs | Čeština | | Danish | da | Dansk | | Dutch | nl | Nederlands | | English | en | English | | Estonian | et | Eesti keel | | Finnish | fi | Suomi | | French | fr | Français | | German | de | Deutsch | | Greek | el | Ελληνικά | | Croatian | hr | Hrvatski | | Hungarian | hu | Magyar | | Irish | ga | Gaeilge | | Italian | it | Italiano | | Latvian | lv | Latviešu valoda | | Lithuanian | lt | Lietuvių kalba | | Maltese | mt | Malti | | Polish | pl | Polski | | Portuguese | pt | Português | | Romanian | ro | Română | | Slovak | sk | Slovenčina | | Slovenian | sl | Slovenščina | | Spanish | es | Español | | Swedish | sv | Svenska |

Use code for both lang= and locale= parameters.

Document Types (Form)

When reading search results, identify the document type from the "Form" field:

| Form | Type | Description | |-----------------------------------|----------|--------------------------------| | Judgment | JUDG | CJEU/General Court judgment | | Opinion of the Advocate General | OPIN_AG | AG conclusions | | Directive | DIR | EU Directive | | Regulation | REG | EU Regulation | | Decision | DEC | EU Decision | | Treaty | TREATY | EU Treaty | | Proposal | PROP | Commission proposal |

Note: Prefer broad searches WITHOUT FM_CODED filter to catch more results. Filter by reading the Form field in results instead.

Examples

# Broad search (recommended - catches all document types)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/search.html?scope=EURLEX&text=cookies+consent&lang=en&type=quick&locale=en

# Search in French
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/search.html?scope=EURLEX&text=protection+donnees&lang=fr&type=quick&locale=fr

# Search CSRD
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/search.html?scope=EURLEX&text=CSRD&lang=en&type=quick&locale=en

Pagination

• Page 1: No &page parameter
• Page 2+: Add &page=2, &page=3, etc.

Method 2: EUR-Lex Document Pages (Advanced)

URL Patterns

Replace {CELEX} with the CELEX ID (e.g., 32016R0679).

| Page | URL Pattern | Content | |-----------------|--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Full text | /TXT/?uri=CELEX:{CELEX} | Document text | | All info | /ALL/?uri=CELEX:{CELEX} | Related docs, modifications, annexes | | Procedure | /HIS/?uri=CELEX:{CELEX} | Legislative procedure history | | Transposition | /NIM/?uri=CELEX:{CELEX} | National implementation (directives) |

Base URL

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/{LANG}/{PAGE}/?uri=CELEX:{CELEX}

Examples

GDPR - All information:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32016R0679

Whistleblower Directive - National transposition:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/NIM/?uri=CELEX:32019L1937

CSRD - Procedure history:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=CELEX:32022L2464

What You Can Find

/ALL/ Page (Document Information)

• Legal status: In force, amended, repealed
• Consolidated version date
• ELI: European Legislation Identifier
• Modifications: What acts modified this one
• Modified by: List of amending acts with dates
• Corrected by: Corrigenda
• Related documents: Annexes, proposals, opinions

/NIM/ Page (National Implementation)

• Transposition status by member state
• National measures implementing the directive
• Links to national legislation
• Transposition deadlines

> IMPORTANT: EUR-Lex /NIM/ links to national texts often show "Texte non disponible". When this happens, use the Official National Legal Databases (see below) to retrieve the actual text.

/HIS/ Page (Procedure)

• Legislative procedure (ordinary, special)
• Commission proposal
• Parliament readings
• Council positions
• Final adoption date

Cross-Reference Verification

EU law contains extensive cross-references. Always verify referenced texts to provide accurate answers.

Types of References

| Reference Type | Example | How to Verify | |-------------------------------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Internal article | "Article 21" | Re-read the full text | | External act | "Regulation (EU) 2016/679" | GoodLegal API or EUR-Lex /TXT/ | | Annex | "Annex I, Part B" | EUR-Lex /ALL/ page | | Implementing act (Art. 291 TFEU) | "Commission Implementing Regulation" | EUR-Lex /ALL/ → "Internal procedures based on this legislative basic act" | | Delegated act (Art. 290 TFEU) | "Commission Delegated Regulation" | EUR-Lex /ALL/ → "Internal procedures based on this legislative basic act" | | CJEU case law | "Case C-xxx/xx" | EUR-Lex /ALL/ → "Affected by case" |

Verification Workflow

Reading EU text
    │
    ├─► Found "Article X" reference?
    │       └─► WebFetch same document, extract Article X
    │
    ├─► Found "Directive/Regulation XXXX/XXX" reference?
    │       └─► GoodLegal API with CELEX ID
    │           OR WebFetch EUR-Lex /TXT/ page
    │
    ├─► Found "Annex" reference?
    │       └─► WebFetch EUR-Lex /ALL/ page
    │           Look for "Annexes" section
    │
    └─► Need related/implementing acts?
            └─► WebFetch EUR-Lex /ALL/ page
                Look for:
                - "Implemented by"
                - "Delegated acts"
                - "Related documents"
                - "Based on"

Using /ALL/ for Related Documents

The /ALL/ page shows the complete document ecosystem:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:{CELEX}

What to look for:

| EUR-Lex Label | Contains | |-----------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | Legal basis | Treaties (Art. 290, 291 TFEU), parent legislation | | Internal procedures based on this legislative basic act | Implementing acts (Art. 291 TFEU) and Delegated acts (Art. 290 TFEU) | | Modified by | Amending acts with dates and affected subdivisions | | Modifies | Acts that this document amends | | Corrected by | Corrigenda (language-specific corrections) | | Subsequent related instruments | Follow-up legislation, related acts | | Affected by case | CJEU judgments interpreting this act | | Consolidated text | Link to consolidated version with all amendments |

Note: Implementing acts (uniform application conditions) and Delegated acts (supplement/amend non-essential elements) are often grouped together under "Internal procedures".

Example: Answering a Legal Question

User asks: "What are the penalties under Directive 20XX/XXX?"

Step 1: Get full text
        → GoodLegal API: "320XXLXXXX"

Step 2: Find sanctions article (e.g., Article 30)
        → WebFetch EUR-Lex /TXT/ page, extract Article 30
        → Found: "Member States shall lay down penalties..."
        → References Article 5 (obligations) and Article 10 (reporting)

Step 3: Verify internal references
        → WebFetch same page, extract Articles 5 and 10
        → Article 5: Main compliance obligations
        → Article 10: Notification requirements

Step 4: Check for external references
        → Article 30 references Regulation (EU) 20YY/YYY
        → GoodLegal API: "320YYRYYYY"
        → Extract relevant provisions

Step 5: Check /ALL/ for implementing acts
        → WebFetch EUR-Lex /ALL/?uri=CELEX:320XXLXXXX
        → Found: Commission Implementing Regulation 20ZZ/ZZZ
        → Retrieve and review implementing details

Reference Chain Documentation

When answering legal questions, document the reference chain:

**Question:** What are the reporting obligations under Directive 20XX/XXX?

**Answer:**
- Article 10: Notification within 72 hours
- Article 11: Content requirements (see Annex II)

**Internal references verified:**
- Article 5 → Scope of application
- Annex II → Notification template

**External references verified:**
- Regulation 20YY/YYY Article 15 → Definitions
- Commission Implementing Regulation 20ZZ/ZZZ → Technical standards

**Related acts from /ALL/ page:**
- 3 implementing regulations
- 1 delegated act
- 2 amending acts

Decision Flow

User request
    │
    ├─► Full text needed?
    │       └─► GoodLegal API (CELEX ID or reference)
    │
    ├─► Search by concept?
    │       └─► EUR-Lex Search via WebFetch
    │           Read Form field to identify document type
    │
    ├─► Legal status / modifications?
    │       └─► EUR-Lex /ALL/ page via WebFetch
    │
    ├─► Transposition status?
    │       └─► EUR-Lex /NIM/ page via WebFetch
    │
    └─► Legislative procedure?
            └─► EUR-Lex /HIS/ page via WebFetch

Parallel Search Strategy

For comprehensive research, launch multiple WebFetch calls in parallel:

# Search pages 1-5 simultaneously
Page 1: .../search.html?scope=EURLEX&text=QUERY&lang=en&type=quick&locale=en
Page 2: .../search.html?scope=EURLEX&text=QUERY&lang=en&type=quick&locale=en&page=2
Page 3: .../search.html?scope=EURLEX&text=QUERY&lang=en&type=quick&locale=en&page=3
Page 4: .../search.html?scope=EURLEX&text=QUERY&lang=en&type=quick&locale=en&page=4
Page 5: .../search.html?scope=EURLEX&text=QUERY&lang=en&type=quick&locale=en&page=5

Then filter results by Form field (Judgment, Directive, Regulation, etc.) based on user needs.

Common References

Legislation

| Name | CELEX ID | |---------------|-------------| | GDPR | 32016R0679 | | AI Act | 32024R1689 | | DSA | 32022R2065 | | DMA | 32022R1925 | | NIS2 | 32022L2555 | | Whistleblower | 32019L1937 | | ePrivacy | 32002L0058 | | CSRD | 32022L2464 |

Key CJEU Cases

| Name | Case Number | Topic | |-------------------|-------------|--------------------------| | Costa v ENEL | C-6/64 | Primacy | | Google Spain | C-131/12 | Right to be forgotten | | Schrems II | C-311/18 | Data transfers | | Planet49 | C-673/17 | Cookie consent |

Output Format

Legislation

**Directive (EU) 2019/1937 — Whistleblower Protection**
Status: In force (consolidated: 25/07/2024)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019L1937

Modifications: 6 amending acts
Transposition: 27/27 Member States

Case Law

**Case C-311/18 — Schrems II**
Date: 16/07/2020
Topic: Data transfers, Privacy Shield invalidation
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:62018CJ0311

Error Handling

No Results

• Try different search terms
• Try both EN and User's language
• Use EUR-Lex Search as fallback
• Check CELEX ID format

EUR-Lex National Text Unavailable

When EUR-Lex /NIM/ links show "Texte non disponible" or "Text not available", follow the National Transposition Text Retrieval workflow below.

Method 3: National Transposition Texts

Problem

EUR-Lex /NIM/ pages list national transposition measures but the links to actual text often fail ("Texte non disponible" / "Text not available"). The /NIM/ page provides:

• Name of the national measure (e.g., "Decreto Legislativo 10 marzo 2023, n. 24")
• Official Journal reference (e.g., "Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 63 del 15 marzo 2023")
• Transposition deadline

Workflow

Step 1: EUR-Lex /NIM/ Page
        │
        └─► WebFetch https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/NIM/?uri=CELEX:{CELEX}
            Extract: measure name, Official Journal reference, date
        │
        ▼
Step 2: Try EUR-Lex Link
        │
        └─► Click/fetch the link provided on the /NIM/ page
            (e.g., https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FR/TXT/?uri=NIM:202302012)
        │
        ├─► Text available? → USE IT ✓
        │
        └─► "Texte non disponible" / "Text not available"?
                │
                ▼
Step 3: Official National Database (see table below)
        │
        └─► Use the measure reference from Step 1
            Search in the official national legal database
            (e.g., Normattiva for Italy, Légifrance for France)
        │
        ├─► Text found? → USE IT ✓
        │
        └─► Not found?
                │
                ▼
Step 4: Web Search (last resort)
        │
        └─► Search for official sources using:
            - Measure name + number + year
            - Official Journal reference
            - Filter by official government domains (.gov, .gv, .gouv, etc.)

Official National Legal Databases (All 27 EU Member States)

Sources verified via N-Lex, European e-Justice Portal, and European Forum of Official Gazettes.

| Country | Code | Official Database | URL | |---------|------|-------------------|-----| | Austria | AT | RIS (Rechtsinformationssystem) | https://www.ris.bka.gv.at | | Belgium | BE | Belgisch Staatsblad / Moniteur Belge | https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be | | Bulgaria | BG | Държавен вестник (State Gazette) | https://dv.parliament.bg | | Croatia | HR | Narodne Novine | https://narodne-novine.nn.hr | | Cyprus | CY | CyLaw + Official Gazette | http://www.cylaw.org | | Czechia | CZ | Sbírka zákonů / Zákony pro lidi | https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz | | Denmark | DK | Retsinformation | https://www.retsinformation.dk | | Estonia | EE | Riigi Teataja | https://www.riigiteataja.ee | | Finland | FI | Finlex | https://www.finlex.fi | | France | FR | Légifrance | https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr | | Germany | DE | Gesetze im Internet | https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de | | Greece | EL | Εφημερίδα της Κυβερνήσεως (ΦΕΚ) | https://www.et.gr | | Hungary | HU | Nemzeti Jogszabálytár | https://njt.hu | | Ireland | IE | Irish Statute Book | https://www.irishstatutebook.ie | | Italy | IT | Normattiva / Gazzetta Ufficiale | https://www.normattiva.it | | Latvia | LV | Likumi.lv | https://likumi.lv | | Lithuania | LT | e-TAR (Teisės aktų registras) | https://www.e-tar.lt | | Luxembourg | LU | Legilux | https://legilux.public.lu | | Malta | MT | Laws of Malta | https://legislation.mt | | Netherlands | NL | Wetten.overheid.nl | https://wetten.overheid.nl | | Poland | PL | ISAP (Sejm) | https://isap.sejm.gov.pl | | Portugal | PT | DRE (Diário da República) | https://dre.pt | | Romania | RO | Legislatie.just.ro | https://legislatie.just.ro | | Slovakia | SK | Slov-Lex | https://www.slov-lex.sk | | Slovenia | SI | PISRS | http://www.pisrs.si | | Spain | ES | BOE (Boletín Oficial del Estado) | https://www.boe.es | | Sweden | SE | Lagrummet / Svensk författningssamling | https://lagrummet.se |

Country-Specific URL Patterns

Italy (Normattiva)

# By URN (preferred)
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:YYYY-MM-DD;NUM

# Example: D.Lgs. 24/2023 (Whistleblower)
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2023-03-10;24

# By Gazzetta Ufficiale
https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/YYYY/MM/DD/XXXXXXXX/sg

France (Légifrance)

# By JORF text number
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT{NUMBER}

# By law number (search)
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/search/all?tab_selection=all&searchField=ALL&query=loi+{YEAR}-{NUMBER}

# Example: Loi Waserman 2022-401
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000045388745

Germany (Gesetze im Internet)

# By law abbreviation
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/{abbrev}/

# Federal Law Gazette (BGBl)
https://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav

Spain (BOE)

# By BOE reference
https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-YYYY-NNNNN

# By law reference
https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-YYYY-NNNNN

Netherlands (Overheid.nl)

# By BWBR number
https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR{NUMBER}

# By Staatsblad reference
https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stb-{YEAR}-{NUMBER}

Poland (ISAP)

# By Dz.U. reference
https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WDU{YEAR}{NUMBER}

Example: Retrieving Italian Transposition Text

User asks: "Get the Italian transposition of the Whistleblower Directive"

Step 1: Check EUR-Lex /NIM/
        → WebFetch https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/NIM/?uri=CELEX:32019L1937
        → Found: "Decreto Legislativo 10 marzo 2023, n. 24"
                 "Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 63 del 15 marzo 2023"

Step 2: Try EUR-Lex link
        → WebFetch the provided link
        → Result: "Texte non disponible"

Step 3: Go to Normattiva (official Italian database)
        → WebFetch https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2023-03-10;24
        → SUCCESS: Full text of D.Lgs. 24/2023 retrieved ✓

If Step 3 fails:
Step 4: Web search (last resort)
        → WebSearch "D.Lgs. 24/2023 whistleblowing site:normattiva.it OR site:gazzettaufficiale.it"

Regulatory Authority Websites

For implementation guidelines, interpretive guidance, and FAQs, also check the national regulatory authority responsible for the directive:

| Directive | Topic | Key National Authorities | |-----------|-------|--------------------------| | 2019/1937 (Whistleblower) | Anti-corruption | IT: ANAC, FR: Défenseur des droits, DE: BfJ | | 2016/679 (GDPR) | Data protection | IT: Garante Privacy, FR: CNIL, DE: BfDI | | 2022/2555 (NIS2) | Cybersecurity | IT: ACN, FR: ANSSI, DE: BSI |

CELEX Format Reference

Legislation: 3{YEAR}{TYPE}{NUMBER}

| Type | Code | Example | |------------|------|-------------| | Directive | L | 32019L1937 | | Regulation | R | 32016R0679 | | Decision | D | 32021D0914 |

Case Law: 6{YEAR}{COURT}{NUMBER}

| Court | Code | Example | |------------------|------|-------------| | Court of Justice | CJ | 62018CJ0311 | | General Court | TJ | 62022TJ0354 | | AG Opinion | CC | 62017CC0673 |