epa04750686 (FILE) A file picture dated 25 June 2014 of the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) entrance building prior to the hearing of the Shepherd case in Luxembourg. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) was honoured on 16 May 2015 with the prestigious Theodor Heuss prize by the eponymous foundation for its contribution to democracy and its role in reinforcing the fundamental rights of EU citizens. ECJ President Vassilios Skouris accepted the award in Stuttgart with German President Joachim Gauck also in attendance. It is the 50th time the prize has been awarded. EPA/NICOLAS BOUVY