1. 

Judicial proceedings – Action before the General Court – Application of the default procedure – Obligation of the Court to rule on the applicant’s pleas – Conditions – Failure of the defendant to respond within the prescribed time limit

(Rules of Procedure of the General Court, Art. 123(1))

(see paragraphs 13-16, 21, 27, 32, 33)

2. 

Judicial proceedings – General Court seised under an arbitration clause – Loan agreement concluded between the European Investment Bank and Syria – Jurisdiction of the General Court defined by Articles 256 and 272 TFEU and the arbitration clause

(Arts 256(1) and 272 TFEU)

(see paragraphs 17, 19, 20)

3. 

Judicial proceedings – General Court seised under an arbitration clause – Loan agreement concluded between the European Investment Bank and Syria – Breach by Syria of its contractual obligations – Action brought by the Bank on behalf of the European Union – Admissibility – Commission instructing the European Investment Bank to initiate recovery procedures on behalf the European Union

(Arts 256(1) and 272 TFEU)

(see paragraphs 23-26)

1. 

Orders the Syrian Arab Republic to repay the European Union, represented by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the sum of EUR 1 959 745.31 representing the principal amounts and the contractual and default interest due on 30 June 2022;

2. 

Declares that the sum of EUR 1 680 510.04 comprising the principal amounts is to bear default interest at the annual rate of 3.5% from 30 June 2022 until the date that payment is made;

3. 

Orders the Syrian Arab Republic to pay the costs.