--- title: "European Litigation" id: "2012" type: "expertise" slug: "european-litigation" published_at: "2026-01-25T18:20:01+00:00" modified_at: "2026-07-29T12:43:03+00:00" url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/european-litigation/" markdown_url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/european-litigation.md" excerpt: "Representing your interests before EU courts We represent companies, public institutions, and sovereign states before the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union, as well as before national courts referring preliminary questions. Each matter calls for..." taxonomy_language: - "English" taxonomy_post_translations: - "pll_69765ed0ee7e8" taxonomy_tax_expertise: - "European Litigation" taxonomy_tax_famille_expertise: - "Dispute Resolution" --- ## Representing your interests *before EU courts* We represent companies, public institutions, and sovereign states before the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union, as well as before national courts referring preliminary questions. Each matter calls for deep knowledge of EU law, rigorous case law analysis, and a litigation strategy tailored to the procedural framework of each court. Our teams combine extensive experience in EU litigation, a solid grasp of institutional processes, and the ability to manage complex cases involving significant economic or regulatory stakes. This integrated approach ensures effective and coherent representation of our clients’ interests across the European legal system. ## *our* Capabilities ### (01) Actions for Annulment We bring actions for annulment before the EU courts against acts of the institutions and assist clients at every stage of the proceedings. Each case involves a detailed assessment of admissibility requirements, the systematic development of legal arguments, and a precise demonstration of the defects affecting the contested measure. It is this procedural and argumentative rigour that enables us to secure the annulment of acts contrary to EU law and effectively protect our clients’ interests. ### (02) Actions for Failure to Act We represent clients in actions for failure to act when an EU institution, body, or agency fails to take the measures required under the Treaties. Our work includes assessing the institution’s obligations, issuing the prior formal notice, and demonstrating that the inaction constitutes an infringement of EU law. We act before the EU courts to obtain a finding of failure to act and, where appropriate, to pursue compensation for the resulting damage. ### (03) Competition Litigation We advise and represent clients in proceedings arising from decisions of the European Commission in the field of competition law, including cartels, abuse of dominant position, merger control, and state aid. ### (04) Preliminary Ruling Procedures We assist clients involved in preliminary ruling procedures before the Court of Justice and the General Court. Our work covers the identification of relevant EU law questions, the drafting of written observations, and representation at hearings. We design litigation strategies that take into account national court positions and evolving EU case law. ### (05) Actions for Damages We represent clients in actions for damages arising from unlawful acts or omissions by EU institutions, or from Member States’ failure to fulfill obligations such as the transposition of directives. Whether based on contractual or non-contractual liability, our approach aims to secure full reparation for the harm suffered. ### (06) Litigation before National Courts We act for clients in disputes involving the application or interpretation of EU law before French and Belgian courts. We also coordinate cross-border proceedings through a network of trusted partner firms, selected for their expertise and in-depth understanding of local judicial systems. Collective excellence at the service of the *highest standards* Team [Olivier Attias ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/olivier-attias/) [Nicolas Baverez ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/nicolas-baverez/) [Emmanuelle Mignon ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/emmanuelle-mignon/) [Marc Mossé ( Senior Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/marc-mosse/) [Pierre Sellal ( Senior Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/pierre-sellal/) [David Zygas ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/david-zygas/) Précédent Suivant ## Contact Us ## *our* References European Law #### International Association – Belgian Constitutional Case Representation of an international association before the Belgian Constitutional Court, requesting a preliminary ruling from the CJEU on the interpretation of an EU directive. European Law #### Defense Group – EU Taxonomy Challenge Represented a defense sector leader before the General Court of the EU challenging the Commission’s exclusion of business aviation from the EU taxonomy. European Litigation #### Biopharmaceutical Company – Marketing Authorization Challenge Representation before the General Court of the EU in litigation contesting the annulment of a marketing authorization for a generic medicine. ## *Latest* News [02/09/25 Legal Article 5 min Implementation of the Trade Agreement Between the European Union and the United States: Procedural Steps, Legal Issues, and Political Risks 1. What is the legal scope of the announcements made on July 27 in Scotland? The July 27 agreement between the President of the United States and the Pr](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/implementation-of-the-trade-agreement-between-the-european-union-and-the-united-states-procedural-steps-legal-issues-and-political-risks/) [28/07/25 Legal Article 4 min Initial questions about the trade deal between President Trump and the President of the European Commission concluded on July 27. 1. Can we talk about an “agreement” between the European Union and the United States? The announcements made in Scotland on July 27 were more of a unila](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/initial-questions-about-the-trade-deal-between-president-trump-and-the-president-of-the-european-commission-concluded-on-july-27/) [28/02/25 Legal Article 9 min The “Omnibus” package: what are the EU’s new sustainability rules? On February 26, the European Commission presented a series of proposals aimed at simplifying the sustainability rules placed on in-scope companies. As per](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/the-omnibus-package-what-are-the-eus-new-sustainability-rules/) [17/11/24 Legal Article 3 min CSRD: Heading towards the adoption of ESRS and a potential increase in the thresholds of the accounting directive On July 31, 2023, the European Commission adopted a delegated regulation “complementing Directive 2013/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/csrd-heading-towards-the-adoption-of-esrs-and-a-potential-increase-in-the-thresholds-of-the-accounting-directive/) [18/04/24 Legal Article 3 min Reform of the status of the Court of Justice of the European Union. The European Parliament[1] and the Council of the European Union adopted,[2] on February 27th, 2024 and March 19th, 2024 respectively, their position on th](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/reform-of-the-status-of-the-court-of-justice-of-the-european-union/) 01 05 Précédent Suivant [Find our latest news](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/le-hub/) News ## FAQ ### (01) What is the time limit for bringing an annulment action before the Court of Justice of the EU? Challenging a decision of the European Commission, an act of the Council or of the European Parliament requires action within a strict deadline. Article 263 TFEU requires annulment proceedings to be brought within two months of the publication of the act, its notification to the applicant or, failing that, the day on which the applicant became aware of it, plus a ten-day extension for distance. We bring annulment actions before the General Court and the Court of Justice and support clients at every stage: admissibility analysis, drafting of the application, written exchanges and oral hearings. ### (02) How can you bring an action for failure to act or a liability action against EU institutions? When an EU institution fails to act in breach of its obligations, Article 265 TFEU allows an action for failure to act, provided the institution has first been invited to act and a two-month period has elapsed without response. Companies and member states may also engage the non-contractual liability of the Union under Article 340 TFEU. We support clients in these proceedings by analysing admissibility conditions, identifying the obligations breached and managing exchanges with the relevant institutions. ### (03) How should you defend yourself in EU competition litigation before the General Court? European Commission decisions on cartels, abuse of dominant position or merger control are regularly challenged before the General Court. Article 23(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 empowers the Commission to impose fines of up to 10% of the undertaking’s total worldwide turnover. We assist clients in challenging Commission decisions, negotiating settlement procedures and defending before the General Court and the Court of Justice in competition matters. The goal is to limit financial exposure while preserving our clients’ competitive positions. ### (04) What role do preliminary references play in EU litigation before national courts? National courts hearing a dispute involving EU law may, or must (courts of last resort), refer a question to the Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling on interpretation or validity under Article 267 TFEU. This mechanism is a major strategic tool for companies facing the application of contested EU regulations. We identify EU law questions that may justify a preliminary reference, draft written observations submitted to the Court and plead before it. The Court’s ruling binds the referring court and all courts across the member states. ### (05) How can you coordinate EU litigation involving national courts in multiple member states? Disputes involving the application of EU law before French, Belgian or other member state courts require close coordination to ensure consistency of positions. We assist clients in these proceedings, drawing on our knowledge of national jurisdictions and the institutional functioning of the Union. We coordinate litigation across Europe in partnership with local firms, anticipating interactions between national proceedings and proceedings before the EU courts. This integrated approach enables us to build a coherent strategy across all relevant forums. ### (06) Why choose August Debouzy as your law firm for EU litigation? We represent companies, institutions and states before the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union, as well as before national courts hearing EU law questions. Our teams combine experience in EU court litigation, knowledge of institutional processes and the ability to handle complex cases with significant economic or regulatory stakes. Annulment actions, actions for failure to act, competition disputes, preliminary references: each proceeding benefits from a strategy tailored to the specificities of the European forum.