Final answer:
The Court of Justice of the European Union is the supreme appeals court for EU law, ensuring consistent application across member states, and the correct answer is c. It is not a legislative body, but a judicial one that interprets and enforces EU law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) plays a crucial role within the EU's legal system. Its primary functions include settling disputes under EU law, interpreting legislation, and ensuring the consistent application of EU law across all member states. While it has the authority to find countries in violation of EU law and to issue sanctions, it does not act as a legislative body that passes new laws, nor does it serve as a purely consultative entity.
The correct answer to the question is: c. the supreme appeals court for European Union law. The CJEU acts as a judicial body that can be considered the supreme court in matters of EU law, interpreting and providing rulings on the law's proper application and any potential breaches by member states. It ensures that the law is observed in the interpretation and application of the Treaties of the European Union and provides a mechanism to enforce compliance with EU regulations and directives.
The CJEU is distinct from the legislative institutions such as the European Parliament, which, along with the Council of the European Union, discusses and passes EU laws. The CJEU's role aligns more closely with that of a judicial branch, ensuring that the law is correctly interpreted and followed, rather than creating the law itself.