European Union – Jurisdiction. The Court of Justice of the European Union gave a preliminary ruling relating to the interpretation of art 5(1) and (3), and Chapter II, Section 5 (arts 18 to 21), and art 60(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 44/2001. The request had been made in proceedings between Holterman Ferho Exploitatie BV and three of its subsidiary companies and Mr Spies von Büllesheim concerning the latter's liability as manager of those companies and a claim that he be ordered to pay damages.