What is the primary role of the European Court of Justice?

The primary role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) is to enforce EU law and regulations. This includes interpreting EU law to ensure that it is applied uniformly across member states, resolving legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions, and ensuring that member states fulfill their obligations under EU law. The ECJ acts as a guardian of the treaties that form the legal basis of the European Union, ensuring that the rule of law is upheld.

The significance of the ECJ's role lies in its ability to impact not only individual cases but also the broader legal landscape within the EU. By providing authoritative interpretations of EU law, the Court contributes to legal certainty and consistency across the Union, which is essential for the effective functioning of the single market and for maintaining trust among member states.

This enforcement role underpins the functionality of the EU as a supranational entity, distinguishing it from a simple intergovernmental organization. While overseeing trade agreements, managing parliamentary decisions, or representing nations in foreign courts are important functions that various EU bodies or institutions handle, they are not the primary responsibilities of the ECJ. The Court focuses squarely on EU law enforcement, making its role crucial to maintaining the legal and regulatory framework of the EU.