Judgment of the General Court 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)

Language of the case: French

Parties

Applicant: European Parliament (represented by: M. Kazek and K. Wójcik, acting as Agents, and T. Gaspar, lawyer)

Defendants: Union technique du bâtiment SA (Romainville, France) (represented by: V. Chamard Sablier, lawyer), Argest SA (Luxembourg, Luxembourg) (represented by: C. Sportes, lawyer)

Re:

By its action under Article 272 TFEU, the European Parliament seeks an order that Union technique du bâtiment SA and Argest SA pay it compensation, under the 10-year guarantee, for the damage affecting the roof of the Maison Jean Monnet, located in Bazoches-sur-Guyonne (France), which appeared following preservation and safety works on the site.

Operative part of the judgment

The Court:

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);

Orders Union technique du bâtiment and Argest to pay, jointly and severally, a lump sum of EUR 115 000 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;

Dismisses the action as to the remainder;

Orders Union technique du bâtiment and Argest to pay the costs.

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¹ OJ C 24, 23.1.2023.