**Cypriot Lawyer Stephanie Laulhe-Shaelou Appointed Advocate-General at European Court of Justice**
In a significant appointment for Cyprus, lawyer Stephanie Laulhe-Shaelou has been named one of the 11 advocates-general at the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The announcement was made on Friday, marking a notable milestone in Laulhe-Shaelou's career as she replaces Nicholas Emiliou, who vacated the position earlier this year.
Laulhe-Shaelou will serve in her new role until October 6, 2024, completing the remainder of Emiliou’s term. Emiliou had been appointed to the advocate-general position for a six-year term starting in October 2021 but left the role in January after being elected as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). His term at the ECHR will last for nine years, concluding in 2035.
Currently, Laulhe-Shaelou is the head of the law school at the University of Central Lancashire’s Cyprus campus. She is also recognized as an invited expert on the rule of law at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, further highlighting her expertise and commitment to legal education and international law.
The appointment of Laulhe-Shaelou comes alongside the reappointment of Koen Lenaerts, the current president of the ECJ, who will serve another six-year term starting in October 2024. Lenaerts has been a member of the ECJ since 2003 and has held the position of president since 2015. His leadership has been marked by a commitment to upholding the principles of European law and justice.
The ECJ plays a crucial role in interpreting EU law and ensuring its uniform application across member states, making the positions of advocate-general and judge highly significant within the European legal framework. Advocates-general provide independent opinions on cases brought before the court, contributing to the decision-making process.
Laulhe-Shaelou's appointment is seen as a positive development for Cyprus, reflecting the island's growing influence in European legal affairs. Her expertise in law and her leadership role at the university position her well to contribute to the ECJ's important work.
In addition to these appointments, the European Council has also been active in addressing various legal and political matters within the EU. Recently, the council has been involved in discussions regarding the findings of the anti-corruption authority in Cyprus, particularly related to the book "Mafia State," which raised serious allegations against former Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.
The political landscape in Cyprus has been further complicated by the return of Vasilios Skouris, the former president of the ECJ, who has been appointed by the Cypriot government as one of five criminal investigators to examine the findings of the anti-corruption authority. Skouris, who served as president of the ECJ from 2015 until 2019, has a notable history in Cyprus, particularly related to a landmark case involving property rights that drew significant attention during his tenure.
As Laulhe-Shaelou embarks on her role at the ECJ, her appointment not only enhances the representation of Cypriot legal professionals at the European level but also underscores the importance of legal expertise in navigating complex issues within the EU framework. The legal community in Cyprus and beyond will be watching closely as she assumes her responsibilities and contributes to the ongoing development of European law.