If the approximation of criminal laws and regulations of the Member States proves essential to ensure the effective implementation of a Union policy in an area which has been subject to harmonisation measures, directives may establish minimum rules with regard to the definition of criminal offences and sanctions in the area concerned.
Más léir go bhfuil sé sár-riachtanach dlíthe coiriúla agus rialacháin choiriúla na mBallstát a chomhfhogasú chun beartas de chuid an Aontais a chur chun feidhme go héifeachtúil i réimse ina ndearnadh bearta um chomhchuibhiú, féadfar rialacha íosta a bhunú le treoracha maidir le cionta coiriúla agus pionóis a shainiú sa réimse lena mbaineann.