Which one of the following is NOT considered a basic act?

In the context of the European Union's legal framework, basic acts are foundational legal instruments that establish policies and laws. The correct choice identifies recommendations as not being a basic act.

Recommendations are non-binding guidelines that suggest how member states should act without placing any legal obligations on them. They don't carry the same weight as directives, regulations, or decisions, which require compliance from member states or specific entities and are enforceable in courts. Directives set out objectives that must be achieved, allowing countries some discretion in how to implement them. Regulations are legally binding across all member states without the need for national legislation, and decisions are binding acts that apply to specific cases or entities.

Thus, recognizing recommendations as non-binding distinguishes them from basic acts that impose regulatory requirements and obligations, clarifying their role within the legal hierarchy of the EU.