EUR-Lex · 20 Aug 2026 · 7 vistas
New Advocate General Sworn In at European Court of Justice
Por FactBox Admin
Stéphanie Laulhé Shaelou took the oath before the Court of Justice of the European Union on 13 July 2026, formally taking up her duties as Advocate General. Her appointment, covering the period from 13 July 2026 to 6 October 2027, was made by decision of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States of the European Union of 10 July 2026. The taking of the oath was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (C series) on 20 August 2026 under reference C/2026/4531.
An institutional appointment at the highest level
The appointment of an Advocate General is a high-level institutional act that reshapes the composition of the Court of Justice, the supreme judicial body of the European Union. The decision was adopted by the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, the body responsible for appointing members of the EU judiciary, and was itself published in the Official Journal (L series) on 13 July 2026 under reference OJ L 2026/1697.
Advocates General assist the Court of Justice by delivering reasoned opinions on the cases brought before it. Their submissions, while not binding, carry considerable weight and frequently guide the Court’s rulings.
The role of the Advocate General
- Assists the Court of Justice by delivering independent, reasoned opinions on cases.
- Serves a renewable term, in this instance from 13 July 2026 to 6 October 2027.
- Appointed by the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States.
- Takes a formal oath before the Court before assuming duties.
The oath ceremony marks the formal entry into office of the new Advocate General, completing the appointment process initiated by the Member States’ decision.
Impact on the European judicial landscape
The arrival of Stéphanie Laulhé Shaelou reinforces the bench of Advocates General at a time when the Court of Justice continues to handle a growing and increasingly complex caseload, from competition and state aid to fundamental rights and the rule of law. Her mandate, running until 6 October 2027, will see her contribute opinions on cases that shape the interpretation and application of EU law across all member states.
For readers, the appointment is a reminder of how the composition of Europe’s highest court is renewed through a formal, treaty-based procedure, and of the quiet but decisive role that Advocates General play in the daily functioning of the European legal order.
Source: Official Journal of the European Union, C series, 20 August 2026, p. 1 (official reference: C/2026/4531).