The Definition of National Court within the Meaning of European Union Law. Considerations in the Context of the Polish Reform of the Judicial System

Abstract

The article deals with two main problems. The first concerns the interpretation of the concept of “court” within the meaning of the provisions of Art. 47 CFR and Art. 267 TFEU. The second part is devoted to the analysis of judgements of the Court of Justice regarding the reform of the Polish judicial system. It enables one to draw several conclusions. Firstly, the Court of Justice found that Poland had violated its Treaty obligations by introducing the provisions that determine the retirement age of judges and establish the procedure enabling the extension of active service by virtue of the discretion of the President of the Republic of Poland. Secondly, the Court of Justice analysed the concept of “court” from the perspective of Art. 19, para. 1, subpara. 2 TEU. It emphasised that these provisions obligate the Member States to establish a system of legal remedies and procedures ensuring effective judicial protection in areas covered by EU law. It also stressed that this concerns a body that can only potentially settle cases with an EU element. Thirdly, the Court of Justice clarified the concept of judicial independence in the context of irremovability of judges and judicial impartiality. It formulated a certain test of judicial independence that should be conducted by the referring court.