Van Gend en Loos case
The Van Gend en Loos case (1963) was a landmark decision by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that established the principle of direct effect in European Union law. A Dutch transport company challenged a customs duty imposed by the Netherlands, arguing it violated the European Economic Community Treaty. The court ruled that individuals could directly invoke EU law in national courts, making it clear that EU regulations have immediate legal effects on member states and protect individual rights. This case fundamentally shaped the relationship between EU law and national law, empowering citizens within the EU.
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The Van Gend en Loos case (1963) was a landmark decision by the European Court of Justice. It established that EU law could create direct rights for individuals, meaning that citizens can invoke European law in national courts, even if their own governments hadn't implemented it. In this case, a Dutch transport company challenged a customs duty imposed on goods from Germany. The Court ruled that the European Economic Community Treaty had direct effect, ensuring that individuals could rely on EU regulations to protect their rights. This case strengthened the legal framework of the European Union and its relationship with member states.