Study Guide on CJEU

Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) Overview

Establishment

  • The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) was established in 1952.

Roles of the CJEU

  • Ensures uniform interpretation and application of EU law across all member states.
  • Provides preliminary rulings when national courts request guidance on the interpretation of EU law.
    • This role helps achieve consistency among member states.
  • Hears cases of EU law violations by member states as reported by the European Commission.
    • The CJEU can impose sanctions or fines for violations.
  • Resolves disputes between EU institutions and member states.

Powers of the CJEU

  • The court has the power to impose sanctions on member states for violating EU law.

Composition of the CJEU

  • The CJEU is composed of:
    • 27 judges (one from each member state).
    • 11 advocate generals:
    • Member states nominate candidates; half are assessed by a panel before formal appointment. All member states must agree on appointments.
    • Once appointed, judges are unaffiliated with any governmental political party.

Leadership

  • The President of the CJEU is elected by the judges for a 3-year term.

Decision-Making

  • Cases are decided by:
    • A panel (3-5 judges) or the Grand Chamber (15 judges).
    • Decisions are made by majority vote among the judges.

Advocate Generals

  • Advocate generals provide non-binding opinions to assist the court's deliberations and decisions.