How decisions are made
EU directives and Swedish law — what is the difference?
The difference between an EU directive and an EU regulation, what implementation into Swedish law means, and why an EU decision does not automatically apply to your daily work.
Taxiunionen · Updated 2026-08-22
In short
An EU directive states the result member states must achieve, but each country decides how.
An EU regulation applies directly in all member states without being rewritten.
A directive affects you only once Sweden has implemented it in Swedish law and the rules have entered into force.
How implementation works
When the EU has adopted a directive, each member state is given a deadline to implement it.
In Sweden, implementation normally follows the same route as other legislation: inquiry, consultation, a government bill and a parliamentary decision.
This means it usually takes time before a directive shows up in the rules that apply to taxi work in Sweden.
Important to distinguish
The EU has adopted a directive
Member states have been given an objective and a deadline. The details for Sweden are not yet decided.
The rules apply in Swedish law
Parliament or the government has decided on Swedish rules and they have entered into force. Only then can you rely on them.
Common questions
What is the difference between an EU directive and an EU regulation?
A directive must be implemented in national law. A regulation applies directly in all member states.
Does an EU directive automatically apply in Sweden?
No. It applies once Sweden has implemented it in Swedish legislation and the rules have entered into force.