The Role of Member State Governments in Migration Litigation before the ECJ

Abstract

It is habitually presumed that Member State governments primarily articulate themselves in litigation before the Court of Justice for the purpose of voicing opposition to an overly activist court. This view is especially pronounced in migration law. Although the presumption is invigorated by several high-profile judgments, it provides only a glimpse into the diversity of motives that Member State governments may pursue in court. Based on a comprehensive collection of judgments in the field of migration law, this article revisits the role of Member State governments in migration litigation before the Court of Justice. It advances a nuanced understanding of national governments’ litigation activity, highlighting the variety of motives and patterns of argument.