This document summarizes research on the knowledge, experiences, and attitudes of lower court judges in Germany and the Netherlands regarding European Union law. It finds that while judges are generally supportive of EU integration, they consider their knowledge of EU law to be lower than their knowledge of national law. Judges report that EU law has a limited impact in most cases, but plays a more routine role for those dealing with highly Europeanized legal fields. The document recommends further training and guidance focused on specific EU law issues to help judges better recognize and address any relevant EU law questions in their cases.

1. 29 September 2011 | Raad voor de Rechtspraak Presentation National Judges and European Union Law Dr Tobias Nowak

2. National Judges as European Union Judges Knowledge, Experiences and Attitudes of Lower Court Judges in Germany and the Netherlands HiiL research project Dr. Tobias Nowak, University of Groningen Prof. Fabian Amtenbrink, Erasmus University Rotterdam Prof. Marc Hertogh, University of Groningen Prof. Mark Wissink, University of Groningen

5. How do you evaluate your knowledge of European law? n=309 (Dutch=137, German=172)

6. In general, I am well informed about developments in national law/European law. n=335 (Dutch n=145, German n=190)

10. It is totally unclear to me when I must apply EU law ex officio. n=335 (n Dutch=145, n German=190)

13. I know how to interpret national law in harmony with EU Directives. (n=336)

15. It is clear to me how I must request a preliminary ruling (Dutch=145, n German=190)

16. It is unclear to me what I must do with an answer to a preliminary ruling. (n Dutch=145, n German=190)

19. Which of the following sources do you use when looking for information on European law. (n Dutch= 138, n German=190)

20. How many hours (including preparation) did you spend on courses on European law in the past 12 months? (n Dutch=135, n German=155)

22. Do you feel the need for more information on EU law? (n=307, n Dutch=136, n German=171)

23. As an estimate, in how many cases that you decided during the past 12 months, did EU law play a role? (n Dutch=134, n German=175)

24. Can you indicate to what extent you have confidence in the following institutions? (n Dutch=91, n German=136)