Van Gend en Loos

Van Gend en Loos is a landmark case from 1963 in European Union law. It established the principle of direct effect, meaning that individuals can rely on European Union law in national courts. The case involved a Dutch transport company that challenged a customs duty imposed by the Netherlands, arguing it violated European treaties. The European Court of Justice ruled that EU law supersedes national law, allowing citizens and companies to assert their rights based on EU legislation directly, thereby enhancing the legal power of EU law in the member states. This case significantly shaped the relationship between EU and national laws.