12European Union Law Quiz

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is the highest court in the EU legal system. It ensures the uniform and correct interpretation and application of EU law across all member states.

The CJEU is composed of the Court of Justice and the General Court. The General Court was established in 1988 to improve the protection of individuals and companies by providing first and second instance rulings, allowing the Court of Justice to focus on the uniform application of EU law.

The CJEU has jurisdiction to review the legality of actions taken by EU institutions and member states. It can also determine the liability of EU institutions for damages and settle disputes between EU officials and agents.

The CJEU can annul EU legislation if it finds it violates EU law. It can also order member states to comply with EU law through infringement procedures.

The CJEU does not have jurisdiction to review issues related to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) except for reviewing compliance with the division of powers and ensuring that CFSP measures don't infringe on individual rights.

A legal process where a national court asks the CJEU for an interpretation of EU law in a case before it. This allows the national court to ensure its ruling is consistent with EU law.

The CJEU can review the legality of an international agreement's compatibility with EU Law. It ensures that agreements signed by the EU are compatible with the EU legal framework.

The CJEU can provide opinions on the interpretation of EU law or on the validity of EU legal acts. This allows for clarity and consistency across the EU.

Each Member State (MS) has a dedicated judge in the Court of Justice. This ensures each MS's perspective and voice is represented within the EU legal system.

The CJEU can sit in different formations depending on the complexity and importance of the case. This allows for flexibility and efficient handling of cases.

Advocate Generals (AGs) are independent legal experts that provide opinions to the Court of Justice on cases. Their objective opinions help to ensure impartiality and transparency in the decision-making process.

Judges and lawyers working for the CJEU are selected based on their expertise and independence, ensuring high quality and independent legal judgment.

The judges of the CJEU are appointed by mutual agreement of the Member States for a 6-year term, renewable once. This reflects the collaborative process of EU lawmaking.

The General Court (GC) has jurisdiction over certain matters related to preliminary references for a preliminary ruling, specifically in areas like VAT, excise duties, customs, tariff classification, passenger compensation, and greenhouse gas emission allowance trading. This jurisdiction was given to the GC in October 2024.

The GC, alongside the Court of Justice (ECJ), handles disputes concerning the legality of acts by EU institutions, primarily secondary law. This procedure is not limited to member states' governments but also includes individuals and businesses.

The GC handles disputes between EU officials and agents, even those working for member states, on matters like state aid, antidumping duties, and other specific areas. It acts as a court of last resort for these disputes.

The ECJ and GC have a specific procedure to ensure member states comply with EU law. It starts with the Commission as the 'guardian of the Treaties'. If a member state fails to comply, the procedure may lead to sanctions.

The ECJ is primarily responsible for ensuring the uniform application of EU law in all member states, acting as the highest court. It focuses on providing consistent interpretations and decisions.

The ECJ specializes in reviewing the legality of actions taken by EU institutions and member states, ensuring that actions are aligned with the principles of EU law.

The GC is a specialized court that handles specific aspects of EU law, particularly those related to preliminary references for a preliminary ruling. This division of jurisdiction allows the ECJ to focus on ensuring consistent interpretations of EU law.

The Annulment procedure allows individuals and legal entities to challenge the validity of EU secondary law by bringing it before the GC. This provides a mechanism for ensuring compliance with EU law.

The General Court of the European Union (GC) was established in 1988 to provide first and second instance rulings and help the Court of Justice (CJ) focus on the uniform application of EU law. It's like a lower court, relieving the CJ of some of the burden.

The General Court (GC) serves as the first instance jurisdiction for a wide range of cases, including annulment procedures, actions for damages, and disputes between individuals and EU institutions. Imagine it as a starting point for legal battles in the EU.

The General Court (GC) can rule on cases involving competition law, state aid, trade, and intellectual property. It plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition and upholding the rights of businesses within the EU.

An 'annulment procedure' allows individuals or institutions to challenge the validity of EU legislation. It's like asking a court to review a law and decide if it's legal or needs to be changed.

In some cases, the General Court (GC) can hear the preliminary reference procedure, which is a method for national courts to request guidance from the CJEU on the interpretation of EU law. It's like asking for clarification to make sure they get the EU law right.

The General Court (GC) can also handle appeals against decisions made by the Court of Justice (CJ). Think of it as an opportunity to get a 'second opinion' on the CJ's judgment.

Ornella Porchia is the current President of the Tenth Chamber of the General Court (GC). She has a strong background in EU and International law, making her well-suited for this role.

The General Court (GC) plays a crucial role in protecting individual rights, enforcing EU law, and contributing to a well-functioning EU legal system. It's like a vital pillar supporting the EU's judicial system.