How regulations are made in the European Union

Legislation in the European Union (EU) is created through different legal processes which are largely unknown to the public. This article describes the standard processes for adopting regulations in the customs area. Basic acts (such as the Union Customs Code) are adopted by the European Parliament and the Council as co-legislators, whereas delegated and implementing acts are adopted, under different procedures, by the Commission based on an empowerment in the relevant basic act. Finally, this article explains the principles of "Better Regulation" designed to raise the standard of EU law.