Dictionary

indirect effect

a principle of EU law under which national courts must interpret (as far as possible) national legislation in accordance with the aims of the directive under which the national legislation was introduced The doctrine of indirect effect is of vital importance to the enforcement of EC rights against private persons.

Phrase Bank

  • principle of indirect effect
  • doctrine of indirect effect

Additional Notes

  • The doctrine of indirect effect achieves indirectly, through judicial interpretation of domestic law, the result reached through the doctrine of direct effect of directives.
  • The indirect effect doctrine is of vital importance to the enforcement of EC rights against private persons.