Multilingual Interpretation of CJEU Case Law: Rule and Reality

The reasoning of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has been heavily criticised for its lack of transparency. This creates significant problems given the importance of CJEU case law as a source of law. The multilingual character of EU law adds to the limited transparency of CJEU judgments. The Rules of Procedure state that the judgment is binding in the language of the case. However, the working language of the Court is French and the judgment is actually drafted in French. This article demonstrates that the situation is even more complex. It discusses the limited guidance given by the Court and the multitude of approaches adopted by the Advocates General, indicating different views of the function and purpose of EU multilingualism.