What do the European Courts do?

Each member country sends a judge to the Luxembourg-based European Court of Justice (ECJ).

The 25 judges are assisted by nine Advocates General.

The court exists to ensure that laws passed at a European level are applied and interpreted correctly.

Some areas (notably the common foreign and security policy - CFSP) are outside its jurisdiction.

In certain circumstances individuals can also bring proceedings against EU institutions before the ECJ.

The Court of Auditors, based in Luxembourg, also has one member nominated from each Member State for a renewable six-year term. It is a different kind of court altogether. Its job is to review the accounts of the European Union.

The Court must verify that the funds available to the EU are used legally, economically, efficiently and effectively, and for the intended purpose.

It audits the accounts of the EU's revenue and expenditure to promote maximum value for money for the citizens of the EU. The Court submits an annual report on the use made by the EU of public funds.