Editing Approximation (section)

==Law==
Within the [[European Union]] (EU), "approximation" refers to a process through which EU legislation is implemented and incorporated within [[Member state of the European Union|Member States]]' national laws, despite variations in the existing legal framework in each country. Approximation is required as part of the [[EU accession|pre-accession process]] for new member states,<ref name=env>European Commission, [https://ec.europa.eu/environment/archives/guide/part1.htm Guide to the Approximation of European Union Environmental Legislation], last updated 2 August 2019, accessed 15 November 2022</ref> and as a continuing process when required by an [[Directive (European Union)|EU Directive]]. ''Approximation'' is a key word generally employed within the title of a directive, for example the Trade Marks Directive of 16 December 2015 serves "to approximate the laws of the Member States relating to trade marks".<ref>EUR-Lex, [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32015L2436&qid=1668514262360 Directive (EU) 2015/2436 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2015 to approximate the laws of the Member States relating to trade marks (recast) (Text with EEA relevance)], published 23 December 2015, accessed 15 November 2022</ref> The [[European Commission]] describes approximation of law as "a unique obligation of membership in the European Union".<ref name=env />