A legal instrument of the European Union (EU) as defined in Article 288 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). A Regulation is a measure of general application that is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in EU member states without the need for national implementing legislation. A Regulation, therefore, automatically overrides any conflicting domestic provision and can be relied on by individuals in national courts.

It is capable of both vertical and horizontal direct effect.

For further details, see Practice note, EU law essentials.