What role does the Court of Justice of the EU play in the legal system?

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) primarily serves to interpret EU law, which is crucial for maintaining a consistent legal framework across member states. This interpretation ensures that EU law is applied uniformly, promoting legal certainty and coherence in the application of laws throughout the European Union. When national courts encounter questions regarding the meaning of EU law or its applicability, they may refer these questions to the CJEU, which issues binding decisions that clarify the law. By doing so, the CJEU contributes to the effective functioning of the internal market and upholds the principles laid out in the EU treaties.

While ensuring compliance with the law is a responsibility shared among various EU institutions and member states, it is the role of the CJEU to specifically interpret laws rather than enforce them directly. Drafting legislation is primarily the responsibility of the European Commission and the European Parliament. Additionally, representing the EU in international court typically involves other entities such as the European External Action Service or relevant member state representatives, rather than the Court itself.