The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is the judicial authority of the EU. It ensures that EU law is interpreted and applied consistently across all member states, helping to guarantee that the law is respected, fair, and equal for everyone in the EU.
The Court is based in Luxembourg and consists of two main bodies:
- The Court of Justice (also called the European Court of Justice or ECJ): It deals mainly with requests for preliminary rulings from national courts, certain annulment actions, and appeals.
- The General Court: It handles cases brought by individuals, companies, or member states — often related to competition law, trade, agriculture, or trademarks.
Each member state appoints one judge to the Court of Justice, and there are also advocates general who assist by presenting legal opinions in cases.
- Interprets EU law: National courts can ask the CJEU to clarify EU law in the form of preliminary rulings.
- Ensures compliance: If a country does not follow EU law, the Commission can take them to the Court.
- Annuls illegal EU acts: Institutions, member states, or individuals can challenge the legality of EU rules.
- Guarantees rights: The Court protects fundamental rights, such as in consumer protection or data privacy cases.
The CJEU plays a vital role in protecting the rule of law, settling disputes, and ensuring that EU rules have the same meaning and effect in every country. Its work supports justice, equality, and legal certainty for all people and institutions in the European Union.