COUNCIL OF THE EU:update

 

Library blog Wednesday, 03 July 2024

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank reports on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine   How to harvest the windfall profits from Russian assets in Europe; if western sanctions against Russia are working; reconstructing Ukraine at war as the journey to prosperity starts now; phasing out Russian gas in Europe, and how to create a bridge for Ukraine into NATO are some of the topics featured in this update.

Press material Wednesday, 03 July 2024

● Council of the EU   03/07/2024 13:51 | Press release | EU Court of Justice: three judges and an advocate-general appointed   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.

Press material Tuesday, 02 July 2024

● European Council   02/07/2024 19:22 | Press release | President Michel welcomed President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović to Brussels   President Michel welcomed President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović to Brussels today. The meeting followed the postponement of President Michel’s visit to Montenegro due to the recent political developments in the country. After a landmark Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) and positive Interim Benchmark Assessment Reports (IBARs) for chapters 23 and 24 last week, it is important to stay on the EU track across all aspects, united on the EU reform agenda. The EU counts on Montenegro to keep the positive reform momentum and deliver on the EU strategic path, not only in words, but also acts by all political actors. And in line with the country’s goal to join the EU as the next member state. There is a fresh momentum in the EU enlargement process and Montenegro as a frontrunner in the accession process has a real opportunity to advance. This should not be wasted or taken for granted. Good neighbourly relations remain an essential element of the accession process and should not be jeopardised. President Michel appreciated President Milatović’s commitment in this regard.