EU court to hear Irish complaint on bailout fund

An Irish Member of Parliament Thomas Pringle is taking his challenge of the European Stability Mechanism to the highest authority. Unlike previous challenges, this case will go before the European Court of Justice in October 2012, with potential implications for the ESM.

In his action Mr Pringle questioned the compatibility of the ESM Treaty with existing EU Treaty provisions. He has also questioned the lawfulness of a related amendment to the EU Treaties. The (Irish) Supreme Court, having heard Mr Pringle’s case in July 2012, referred the questions to the ECJ.

The initial hearing took place at the ECJ on the 23 October 2012.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Irish MP: 'The ESM is destroying the EU' http://www.europeansources.info/record/irish-mp-the-esm-is-destroying-the-eu/

Irish Times, 23.10.12: European court to hear ESM case http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1023/breaking13.html

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