New appointments to the EU Court of Justice

The representatives of the governments of the member states today appointed three judges and an advocate-general to the Court of Justice as part of the 2024 partial renewal of its composition.

The term of office of Mr Irmantas Jarukaitis as judge was renewed. Mr Bernardus Smulders and Mr Fredrik Schalin were appointed for a first term of office as judges of the Court of Justice.

Member states’ representatives also appointed Mr Rimvydas Norkus for a first term of office as advocate-general of the Court of Justice.

All the appointments were made for a term of office starting on 7 October 2024 and expiring on 6 October 2030.

Background

The Court of Justice of the European Union consists of two courts: the Court of Justice and the General Court.

The judges and advocates-general are appointed by common accord of the governments of the member states after consultation of a panel responsible for giving an opinion on prospective candidates’ suitability to perform the duties concerned. They are chosen from among individuals whose independence is beyond doubt.

For appointment to the Court of Justice, candidates must possess the qualifications required for appointment, in their respective countries, to the highest judicial offices, or be jurisconsults of recognised competence.