Introductory Note

Abstract

The introductory note describes the main developments of 2019 with regard to the functioning and the organization of the Court of Justice of the European Union, as well as to its case law. The Court of Justice and the General Court were confronted with many delicate legal questions pertaining to all aspects of EU law. Amongst others, the EU courts had to address issues raised by the threats to values inherent in the rule of law, by the increasing interferences with fundamental rights, such as the right to privacy, and by the so-called “migration crisis.” The introductory note provides an overview of the most important judgments that were delivered in 2019, in an array of legal domains, including the rules on the relationship between member states and EU institutions, rights and obligations of third country migrants, fundamental rights, rules of competition and state aid, data protection, and external relations of the European Union.