Court of Justice of the European Union

Official_Emblem_of_the_Court_of_Justice_of_the_European_Union

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is the judicial institution of the European Union (EU) responsible for interpreting EU law and ensuring its equal application across all EU member states. The CJEU is based in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.

Structure

The CJEU consists of two main courts:

• The Court of Justice (commonly referred to as the European Court of Justice or ECJ)
• The General Court (formerly known as the Court of First Instance)

Court of Justice

The Court of Justice is composed of one judge from each EU member state, ensuring representation from all member states. It also includes eleven Advocates General who provide independent opinions on cases brought before the court. The primary role of the Court of Justice is to interpret EU law and ensure its uniform application across the EU.

General Court

The General Court deals with cases brought by individuals, companies, and, in some instances, EU governments. It handles a wide range of issues, including competition law, state aid, trade, agriculture, and trademarks.

Jurisdiction and Functions

The CJEU has several key functions:

• Interpreting EU law to ensure it is applied uniformly across all member states.
• Settling legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions.
• Hearing cases brought by individuals, companies, or organizations against EU institutions if they believe their rights have been infringed.

Procedures

Cases can be brought before the CJEU by national courts, EU institutions, member states, and, in certain circumstances, individuals and companies. The court's procedures include written and oral stages, and the judges deliberate in private before delivering their judgment.

Importance

The CJEU plays a crucial role in the development of EU law and the integration of the EU legal system. Its decisions have a significant impact on the interpretation and application of EU law, influencing legislation and policies across the EU.

Related Pages

• European Union
• European Commission
• European Parliament
• European Council
• European Court of Auditors
• European Central Bank
• European Economic Area
• European Free Trade Association

See Also

• Supreme Court of the United States
• European Convention on Human Rights
• International Court of Justice