European Union Civil Service Tribunal
The European Union Civil Service Tribunal was a specialized judicial body within the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Established on 2 December 2005, it served to adjudicate disputes specifically between the European Union institutions and their employees. This tribunal was part of the EU's sui generis court system, which means it was of a unique kind, tailored specifically for its purposes. It ceased to exist on 1 September 2016, with its functions absorbed by other courts within the CJEU structure.
Establishment and Jurisdiction
The tribunal was established following the provisions of the Treaty of Nice, which allowed for the creation of specialized judicial panels. On 2 November 2004, the Council of the European Union adopted a decision to establish the European Union Civil Service Tribunal.
Under Article 270 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the tribunal was given jurisdiction over disputes concerning employment within the EU's institutions. These disputes included matters of pay, recruitment, promotion, and social security entitlements such as sickness benefits, old age pensions, and family allowances.
Composition and Functioning
The tribunal was composed of seven judges appointed by the Council of the European Union for a renewable six-year term. The decisions made by this tribunal were binding but could be appealed on questions of law to the General Court. In exceptional circumstances, these decisions could be further reviewed by the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Legacy
The European Union Civil Service Tribunal played a significant role in ensuring that the rights and duties of EU staff members were protected and adjudicated in a specialized forum. Its dissolution in 2016 led to its responsibilities being transferred back to the General Court, which continues to handle civil service disputes within the broader framework of the EU's judicial system.