One of two non-legally binding instruments listed in Article 288 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Recommendations allow an EU institution or body to make their views known and to suggest a line of action without imposing any strict legal obligation on those to whom the recommendation is addressed, which can be member states, other institutions or citizens.

Although not legally binding, they can have political weight and can be a type of soft law forming part of the EU acquis. For example, they may offer guidance on the interpretation or content of EU law.

For more information, see Practice note, EU law essentials: EU instruments.