C-64/16, ‘Portuguese Judges’ Case

C-64/16, ‘Portuguese Judges’ Case
Photo by Khachik Simonian / Unsplash

1. Facts

• A measure in Portugal undermined the independence of the judiciary by reducing the salaries of Court of Auditors judges.

• Portuguese judges brought an action against this measure.

2. Outcome

• The measure was found to violate Article 19 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), as it breached the principle of judicial independence.

3. Impact and Analysis

• The Commission's decision to address the issue of judicial independence directly on the basis of Article 19 TEU was significant.

• This approach allowed the Commission to act without needing to prove the existence of a link with other substantive provisions of EU law.