The Court of Justice of the European Communities elected its new president on 7 October. He is the 55-year-old Vassilios Skouris, who has served as judge of the same court since 1999. He will remain in office till October 2006. A graduate of jurisprudence from the Free University of Berlin, he filled a number of important posts in the administration and university world of Greece: he was Minister of Internal Affairs (1989 and 1996), professor of public law at the University of Salonicco (1982), chairman of the Greek Association for European Law (1992-1994), member of the Administrative Council of the Greek National School of the Judiciary (1995-1996), chairman of the Greek Economic and Social Council (1998). As president of the EU Court of Justice, Skouris will contribute to ensuring compliance with Community law and its uniform interpretation. He will rule on any disputes that may arise between member states, EU institutions, businesses and private citizens. The Court of Justice, which is based in Luxembourg, acts as judicial guarantor in the interpretation and application of the treaties that regulate the EU. For further information on the Court of Justice, consult its website: http://curia.eu.int/it/index.htm
