Judgment of the Court (Grand Chamber) of 29 July 2024.#Virgilijus Valančius v Lietuvos Republikos Vyriausybė.#Request for a preliminary ruling from the Vilniaus apygardos administracinis teismas.#Reference for a preliminary ruling – Third subparagraph of Article 19(2) TEU – Second paragraph of Article 254 TFEU – Appointment of Judges of the General Court of the European Union – Independence beyond doubt – Ability required for appointment to high judicial office – National procedure for proposing a candidate for the office of Judge of the General Court of the European Union – Group of independent experts responsible for assessing the candidates – Merit list of candidates meeting the requirements laid down in the third subparagraph of Article 19(2) TEU and the second paragraph of Article 254 TFEU – Proposal of a candidate named on the merit list other than the top-ranked candidate – Opinion of the panel provided for in Article 255 TFEU on the suitability of candidates.#Case C-119/23.