EU Court of Justice: three judges and an advocate-general appointed - Main contents

The representatives of the governments of the member states today appointed three judges and an advocate-general to the Court of Justice.

Mr Koen Lenaerts (Belgium) was appointed judge from 7 October 2021 to 6 October 2027 as part of the partial renewal of the composition of the Court of Justice. The terms of office of 14 judges and 6 advocates‑general of the Court of Justice will expire on 6 October 2021.

Ms Ineta Ziemele (Latvia) was appointed judge from 7 September 2020 to 6 October 2024 following the resignation of Mr Egils Levits.

Mr Jan Passer (Czech Republic) was appointed judge from 6 October 2020 to 6 October 2024 following the resignation of Mr Jiří Malenovský.

Mr Athanasios Rantos (Greece) was appointed advocate-general from 7 September 2020 to 6 October 2021 following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU.

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. For appointment to the General Court, they must possess the ability required for appointment to high judicial office.