Judgment — ECLI:EU:C:2008:197
Date: 2008-04-03
Language of the case: Dutch
Court formation: Seventh Chamber
Based on: Treaty establishing the European Economic Community (1957)
Subject matter: Agriculture and Fisheries;Beef and veal;Veterinary legislation
Concepts: Interpretation of Community law;Animal welfare
Procedure: Reference for a preliminary ruling
Origin: Netherlands

Summary of the Judgment 1. Community law – Interpretation – Texts in several languages 2. Agriculture – Approximation of laws – Minimum standards for the protection of calves – Directive 91/629 (Council Directive 91/629) 1. Community provisions must be interpreted and applied uniformly in the light of the versions existing in all European Community languages. The wording used in one language version of a Community provision cannot serve as the sole basis for the interpretation of that provision, or be made to override the other language versions in that regard. Such an approach would be incompatible with the requirement of the uniform application of Community law. Where there is divergence between the various language versions of a Community text, the provision in question must be interpreted by reference to the purpose and general scheme of the rules of which it forms part. (see paras 22-24) 2. A calf is tethered within the meaning of Directive 91/629, laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves, as amended by Decision 97/182, where it is tied by a rope, irrespective of the material, length and purpose of that rope. (see para. 26, operative part)