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For instance, whilst Regulations 'should be drafted in such a way that the addressees have no doubts as to the rights and obligations resulting from them', Directives 'should be drafted in a less detailed manner in order to leave Member States sufficient discretion in their implementation.' From general principles to annexes, and even examples of model acts, this 93-page guide offers a fascinating tour through territory that many of us too often avoid.

This question was received recently: ‘I've been asked to find out what the official/correct title of the EU is - i.e. whether it is EC or EU. Looking at the Treaties it would seem that it's the EC - they refer to the European Community. However on the Council's website it refers to itself as the Council of the European Union. Can you help?’

Eric replied: It's a question of context. As we explain on EIA training courses, the EU and EC are different things. This page from the Commission's Delegation to Belarus might help explain the difference. However, despite the official distinction, the term EU is now generally used - even by those of us who know better!

And another 'however' - it's not going to matter for much longer, as the Treaty of Lisbon dispenses with 'Community' in favour of 'Union'. If you look at the Treaty text and search for 'community', you'll see that throughout the Treaty 'the words ‘Community’ and ‘European Community’ shall be replaced by ‘Union’ and any necessary grammatical changes shall be made, the words ‘European Communities’ shall be replaced by ‘European Union’ ...'

So Lisbon will certainly make life easier in some ways!