Exclusive Jurisdiction in Judgment No. 19299 of 2024: An Analysis by the Court of Justice

The recent judgment no. 19299 of July 12, 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, sheds light on a relevant issue concerning disputes involving European schools, particularly regarding decisions related to the advancement of students to the next grade. This judgment, in particular, confirms the exclusive jurisdiction of the Appeals Chamber, as established by Article 27 of the Luxembourg Convention of June 21, 1994.

Context of the Judgment

The central issue concerns a dispute between S., a parent, and P., the European School of Varese, regarding the advancement of their child to the next grade. The Court of Justice, in its ruling of December 21, 2023 (C-431/22), highlighted that disputes related to decisions made by class councils of European schools fall under the jurisdiction of the Appeals Chamber, after the exhaustion of administrative avenues. This implies that parents must follow a specific procedure before they can appeal to the judicial body.

The Maxim of the Judgment

431/22, the exclusive jurisdiction of the Appeals Chamber exists, pursuant to Article 27 of the Luxembourg Convention of June 21, 1994, after the exhaustion of the administrative route.

This maxim clearly indicates that, for European school disputes, recourse to ordinary justice is not immediate. Before being able to submit a specific request, it is necessary to exhaust the possibilities offered by the school administration. This principle not only clarifies the procedure to be followed by parents but also establishes a strong connection between the legal framework of European schools and that of national and supranational institutions.

Implications of the Judgment

The implications of judgment no. 19299 are manifold:

  • Clarity on the appeal process for school decisions.
  • Reinforcement of the jurisdiction of the Appeals Chamber, making it clear that its intervention is only necessary after administrative avenues have been exhausted.
  • Potential to establish a legal precedent for future similar disputes in European schools.

Furthermore, the judgment reinforces the need for greater transparency and clarity in the decisions made by class councils, so that families can better understand the reasons behind school decisions.

Conclusions

In conclusion, judgment no. 19299 of 2024 represents an important step forward in defining jurisdictional competencies in disputes involving European schools. It clarifies not only the procedures that parents must follow but also the centrality of the Appeals Chamber in ensuring due process in the educational field. It is essential that families are informed about these procedures so that their rights are effectively protected.

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