The evolution and reform of the preliminary rulings procedure: historical development, 2024 improvements, and critical assessment

This paper examines the historical development, recent reforms, and critical implications of the preliminary rulings procedure under Article 267 TFEU, a cornerstone of the European Union's judicial system. Tracing its evolution from the ECSC Treaty through successive treaty amendments, the study analyzes the 2024 reforms that transferred preliminary ruling jurisdiction in six technical areas to the General Court and introduced significant procedural modernization. While these reforms aim to address the Court of Justice's workload and enhance efficiency, they also raise concerns regarding legal fragmentation, jurisdictional complexity, and the dilution of judicial dialogue between national courts and the EU's highest court. The paper provides a critical assessment of these changes, highlighting both their potential benefits and risks, and offers recommendations for ensuring the continued uniformity and effectiveness of EU law.