The ruling in Van Gend en Loos v Nederlandse Administratie der Belastingen was a pivotal moment in the development of European Union law, addressing a crucial legal principle known as 'direct effect'. The case started when Van Gend en Loos, a transport company based in the Netherlands, imported goods from Germany and was subjected to a customs duty that they contested. The company argued that this duty was contrary to Article 12 of the Treaty of Rome, which prohibited customs duties on goods imported from other member states. This case was significant not only for its specific legal question but also for the broader implications it held for the functioning of EU law within the legal systems of member states.The European Court of Justice (ECJ), in its deliberations, concluded that the Treaty of Rome was intended to create rights for individuals, which could be enforced in national courts. This was a groundbreaking assertion because it empowered individuals to challenge national legislation that conflicted with EU law directly, establishing that certain provisions of EU treaties could be invoked without the need for additional national legislation. This marked a departure from the traditional view of international law, where treaties were primarily seen as agreements between states, rather than as instruments granting rights to individuals.The ruling set a precedent that would inform numerous subsequent cases and lead to the greater integration of EU laws into national jurisdictions. Over the years, the principle of direct effect has become a cornerstone of European integration, enabling citizens to rely on EU directives and regulations in domestic courts, thus significantly enhancing the power and authority of EU law in member states. The implications of this principle have been profound, influencing legal discourse, the balance of powers between national and EU institutions, and the rights of individuals within the Union.