Note on the use of soft law instruments under EU law, in particular in the area of freedom, security and justice, and its impact on fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law

This note discusses the increased use of soft law instruments in the domain of freedom, security and justice and concludes with recommendations on appropriate safeguards, relating to procedural matters, to substance and to review. It aims to contribute to a fundamental discussion on these instruments within the relevant bodies of the Union and the Member States.