Heikki Kanninen Finland's candidate for judge at the General Court of the European Union

Today on 17 June, the Finnish Government nominated Licentiate in Laws Heikki Kanninen (63) as Finland's candidate to serve as a judge at the General Court of the European Union for a six-year term beginning 1 September 2016. The EU Member State governments will agree on the appointment by common accord.

Kanninen has served as a Judge at the General Court of the European Union since 2009 and as its Vice President since 2013. He has previously worked as a judge at the European Union Civil Service Tribunal and as a justice of the Supreme Administrative Court and a Senior Adviser for Legislative Affairs at the Ministry of Justice in Finland.

The General Court of the European Union comprises one judge from each Member State. The judges are chosen from persons whose independence is beyond doubt and who possess the ability required for appointment to high judicial office.   

The EU position to be filled is important as the General Court of the European Union hears actions taken against the institutions of the European Union by individuals and businesses. Among other issues, the court considers cases concerning competition law and state aid and completes over 800 cases annually.

The Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg comprises three courts: the Court of Justice, the General Court, and the EU Civil Service Tribunal.

Further information: Kare Halonen, State Secretary, EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 319, Prime Minister’s Office

English translation of the press release published on 17 June 2015