Commission of the European Communities v United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. (Freedom to provide services) [1996] EUECJ C-222/94 (10 September 1996)

Commission of the European Communities v United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. (Freedom to provide services) [1996] EUECJ C-222/94 (10 September 1996)

The United Kingdom failed to fulfil its obligations under Directive 89/552/EEC by using criteria other than establishment to determine jurisdiction over satellite broadcasters, applying different regimes to domestic and non-domestic satellite services, and exercising control over broadcasts under the jurisdiction of...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[1996] EUECJ C-222/94
Parties
Applicant: Commission of the European Communities; Respondent: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Intervener: French Republic
Jurisdiction
European Union
Procedural Posture
Infringement Proceedings (article 169 EC Treaty) / Final Judgment
Outcome
Application upheld; infringement declared.
Legal Topics
Implementation of EU Directives, Jurisdiction Over Broadcasters, Television Broadcasting Regulation, Freedom of Reception, Double Control of Broadcasters
European Union Law Broadcasting Law Administrative Law Implementation of EU Directives Jurisdiction Over Broadcasters Television Broadcasting Regulation Freedom of Reception Double Control of Broadcasters

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 5 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Commission of the European Communities

Applicant

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Respondent

French Republic

Intervener

Procedural Posture

Infringement Proceedings (article 169 EC Treaty) / Final Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the United Kingdom correctly implemented Council Directive 89/552/EEC regarding jurisdiction over satellite broadcasters and the application of different regimes to domestic and non-domestic satellite services.
  2. 2 Whether the United Kingdom unlawfully exercised control over broadcasts transmitted by broadcasters under the jurisdiction of other Member States.

Ratio Decidendi

The United Kingdom failed to fulfil its obligations under Directive 89/552/EEC by using criteria other than establishment to determine jurisdiction over satellite broadcasters, applying different regimes to domestic and non-domestic satellite services, and exercising control over broadcasts under the jurisdiction of other Member States, contrary to Articles 2(1), 2(2), and 3(2) of the Directive.

Court Disposition

Application upheld; infringement declared.

Orders

  • The United Kingdom is declared to have failed to fulfil its obligations under Article 2(1) and (2) and Article 3(2) of Directive 89/552/EEC.
  • The United Kingdom is ordered to pay the costs.