The government has nominated Judge Joseph A. Filletti to serve out the remainder of the term of office of Madam Justice Ena Cremona, current member of the General Court of the European Union, who is retiring on 15 September 2011. Judges are appointed for a term of office of six years, which is renewable. The current term expires on 31 August 2013.

Following the government’s nomination, a panel set up in accordance with Article 255 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union will give an opinion on the candidate’s suitability to perform the duties of judge of the General Court. Once the panel delivers a favourable opinion on the candidate’s suitability, a Conference of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States will be convened in order to adopt the decision appointing the candidate as a judge at the General Court.