The European Court of Justice ensures the uniform interpretation and application of EU law in all member countries. It also settles legal disputes between the governments of the member states and EU institutions. Individuals, companies and organizations may refer a case to the Court if they consider that their rights have not been upheld by an EU institution
Each EU member State, indicates a representative judge to the Court. In order to function in the most accurate way, 9 general advocates, express their legal opinion concerning all the cases in the Court’s docket. They are obliged to do so, in public and in total impartiality and independence. Both of their terms in office are 6 years long and can be reviewed.
It is easily understood that the Court’s docket is exceedingly large. Therefore, in 1988 the General Court was created, in order to secure every European citizen’s rights to judicial protection and fair trial. The General Court deals with cases submitted by individuals, companies and some organizations, and cases related to European competition law.
The European Court of Justice deals with the following cases:
- Requests for preliminary rulings – when national courts address the Court to interpret a point of EU legislation
- Infringement actions – when national governments fail to apply European law. due to non-application of EU law
- Actions that indicate failure by EU institutions that do not take the necessary decisions
- Direct actions by individuals, companies or organizations in decisions or actions of the EU
ECJ Case FOR EUropa.S. 2024 TBA
Institution’s email: ecj.europas@gmail.com