Court of Justice of the European Communities

The Court of Justice is the Supreme Court of the European Union, and is based in Luxemburg. Its main task is to interpret, guard and develop EU law. The Court of Justice is composed of 25 Judges and eight Advocate Generals.

The Judges and Advocate Generals are appointed by common accord by the governments of the Member States for a renewable term of six years. They are chosen from among lawyers whose independence is beyond doubt and who possess the qualifications required for appointment, in their respective countries, to the highest judicial offices, or who are of recognised competence.

Procedure initiator entities:

· Individuals cannot bring cases to the Court directly. Their cases must be treated at the Court of First Instance.

• The European Commission can claim a procedure if a Member State does not implement an EU legal requirement.

• Claims by member states that the European Commission has exceeded its authority.

• National courts can ask the opinion of the Court of Justice in the meaning of validity of a particular piece of EU law.

Website of the Court of Justice of the European Communities