Indirect effect

Indirect effect, or consistent interpretation, obliges courts within the EU to read national law so far as possible in conformity with EU law, especially directives. It cannot normally justify an interpretation contra legem or create criminal liability by interpretation alone. In Switzerland, the doctrine is not binding as an EU constitutional principle. Still, Swiss authorities may interpret domestic rules in harmony with EU-derived standards where legislation, bilateral agreements or regulatory policy deliberately seek equivalence with EU law.