The Court of Justice Of the EU

infringement proceedings

enforcing the law - this type of case is taken against a national government for failing to comply with EU law. Can be started by the European Commission or another EU country. If the country is found to be at fault, it must put things right at once, or risk a second case being brought, which may result in a fine.

actions for damages

sanctioning EU institutions - any person or company who has had their interests harmed as a result of the action or inaction of the EU or its staff can take action against them through the Court.

Composition

The Court of Justice of the EU is made up three court. the Court of Justice, the General Court and the Civil Service tribunal.

The Court of Justice

The most high court, deals with most cases.

The General Court

Used to be called the court of first instance. Was created to relieve some of the pressure form the Court of Justice.

Civil Service Tribunal

rules on disputes between the EU and its staff

actions for annulment

annulling EU legal acts - if an EU act is believed to violate EU treaties or fundamental rights, the Court can be asked to annul it - by an EU government, the Council of the EU, the European Commission or (in some cases) the European Parliament. Private individuals can also ask the Court to annul an EU act that directly concerns them.

actions for failure to act

ensuring the EU takes action - the Parliament, Council and Commission must make certain decisions under certain circumstances. If they don't, EU governments, other EU institutions or (under certain conditions) individuals or companies can complain to the Court.

preliminary rulings

interpreting the law - national courts of EU countries are required to ensure EU law is properly applied, but courts in different countries might interpret it differently. If a national court is in doubt about the interpretation or validity of an EU law, it can ask the Court for clarification. The same mechanism can be used to determine whether a national law or practice is compatible with EU law.