Case 26/62 Van Gend en Loos

Case 26/62 Van Gend en Loos established that European Union law creates rights and obligations directly enforceable by individuals within member states. The court ruled that the EU's treaties (like the EEC Treaty) form part of the legal system of each member country, and individuals can invoke these laws before their national courts. This decision emphasized that EU law has a direct effect, meaning citizens can rely on EU rules in national courts, ensuring consistency and accountability within the union.