62022TJ0749_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 10 April 2024 –Parliament v Union Technique du Bâtiment and Argest
(Case T‑749/22) (
1
)
(Arbitration clause – Contract for preservation and safety works on the Maison Jean Monnet – Framework contract for architectural, technical and financial assistance and advice – Damage affecting the roof – Claim for compensation – 10-year guarantee – Application of French and Luxembourg law – Default interest)
1.
Judicial proceedings – General Court seised under an arbitration clause – Jurisdiction of the General Court defined exclusively by Article 256 and 272 TFEU and the arbitration clause – Application of substantive law applicable to the contract
(Arts 256 and 272 TFEU)
(see paragraphs 18, 21, 22)
2.
National law – Reference to national law – French law – Contract for works – Damage – Building contractors liable under the 10-year guarantee for damage resulting from a contract for works – Conditions – Defects compromising the soundness of the structure or rendering the structure unfit for its intended use within a foreseeable period of time
(see paragraphs 47, 50, 51, 55-57, 70, 84, 90, 93, 98, 99)
3.
National law – Reference to national law – Luxembourg law – Service contract – Damage – Building contractors liable under the 10-year guarantee – Presumption of liability
(see paragraphs 109, 114, 115, 118-120, 135-137, 139, 141, 142)
4.
Judicial proceedings – General Court seised under an arbitration clause – Contract for preservation and safety works on the Maison Jean Monnet – Damage affecting the roof – Claim for compensation – 10-year guarantee – Application of French and Luxembourg law – Default interest
(Art. 272 TFEU)
(see paragraphs 154-159, 163-171)
5.
Judicial proceedings – General Court seised under an arbitration clause – Jurisdiction of the General Court defined exclusively by Article 272 TFEU and the arbitration clause – Joint and several liability for the damage resulting from a works and service contract – Determination of the share of the liability that must be borne by those held jointly and severally liable – Jurisdiction of the national courts
(Art. 272 TFEU)
(see paragraphs 175, 176)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Declares that Union technique du bâtiment SA and Argest SA are liable under the 10-year guarantee for the damage affecting the roof of the Maison Jean Monnet, located in Bazoches-sur-Guyonne (France);
2.
Orders Union technique du bâtiment and Argest to pay, jointly and severally, a lump sum of EUR 115000 to the European Parliament, plus interest at the statutory rate applicable in France and Luxembourg from 29 November 2022. Interest payable at the end of each annual due date after 29 November 2022 shall be capitalised and shall itself accrue interest;
3.
Dismisses the action as to the remainder;
4.
Orders Union technique du bâtiment and Argest to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 24, 23.1.2023.