Preliminary Ruling Procedure

The Preliminary Ruling Procedure is a process used in the European Union where national courts can ask the Court of Justice for clarification on how EU law should be interpreted in specific cases. When a national court encounters a legal question about EU legislation, it can refer this question to the Court of Justice before making a final decision. The Court then provides a ruling, ensuring consistent interpretation and application of EU law across all member states. This process helps unify legal standards and protect rights within the EU legal system.