A preliminary ruling is a legal procedure in the European Union where national courts request the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to interpret EU law. This process ensures uniform application and interpretation of EU law across all member states. When a national court faces uncertainty about the meaning or validity of EU law in a case before it, it can refer questions to the ECJ. The ECJ’s interpretation is binding, guiding the national court in resolving the case. Preliminary rulings help maintain consistency in legal standards and protect individual rights within the EU. This mechanism is crucial for effective and coherent enforcement of EU regulations and directives.