Judgment of the Court 7 February 1985

In Case 186/83 REFERENCE to the Court under Article 177 of the EEC Treaty by the Kantonrechter [Cantonal Court], Rotterdam, for a preliminary ruling in the proceedings pending before that court between

THE COURT composed of: Lord Mackenzie Stuart, President, G. Bosco, O. Due and C. Kakouris (Presidents of Chambers), T. Koopmans, U. Everling, K. Bahlmann, Y. Galmot and R. Joliét, Judges, Advocate General: Sir Gordon Slynn Registrar: H.A. Rühi, Principal Administrator

gives the following

JUDGMENT

Decision

The first question

The second and third questions

Costs

1 Language of the Case: Dutch.

2 after considering the observations submitted on behalf of the plaintiffs A. Botzen and Others by Mr S. de Laat, the defendant Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij by Mr A. F. de Savornin Lohan and Mr A. J. Braakman, in the written proceedings, and by Mr E. W. J. H. de Liagre Böhl and Mr A. J. Braakman, in the oral proceedings, the Netherlands Government by Mr I. Verkade, in the written proceedings, and by Mr A. Bos, acting as Agent, in the oral proceedings, the latter being assisted by Mr L. A. D. Keus, the Danish Government by Mr L. Mikaelsen, acting as Agent, the French Government by Mr G. Boivineau, acting as Agent, the Commission of the European Communities by Mr M. Beschel, acting as Agent, assisted by Mr F. Herbert, after hearing the Opinion of the Advocate General delivered at the sitting on 16 January 1985,