bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Late Payment Directive – a step towards an emerging European Private Law?
Authors: Schulte-Braucks Reinhard , Ongena Steven
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The Directive on combating late payment in commercial transactions – Directive 2000/35/EC – had to be transposed into national law by August 2002. It is designed to reinforce the position of the creditor in cases of late payment. It defines cases where interest and/or compensation are due and fixes the level of interest at 7 percentage points above the interest rate of the European Central Bank. An unfairness clause prevents powerful undertakings from setting contractual payment terms that undermine the rules of the Directive. It thus limits party autonomy and tries to protect small and medium-sized enterprises against grossly unfair contract terms. The Directive also introduces a few basic principles on retention of title with the aim of enabling the creditor to exercise his rights throughout the Community. A careful examination of these provisions leads to the conclusion that the lex rei sitae should no longer be applied to movable goods. Instead, the lex contractus or, failing this, the law of the seller’s home country should determine the fate of the seller’s goods. In order to make the provisions of the Directive effective, it contains rules on speedy recovery procedures. Thus, Member States are obliged to ensure that their rules on civil procedure permit a creditor to obtain an enforceable title within 90 calendar days of lodging an action. The Directive is placed in the context of an emerging European private law. In particular, it will be part of the Commission’s efforts to create a European contract law.
Recent case law/Arrêts récents/Aktuelle Gerichtsentscheidungen
Authors: van Schaick Bert , Ruda Albert , Østergaard Kim , Sagaert Vincent , Dacoronia Eugenia , Caterina Raffaele , Fauvarque-Cosson Bénédicte , Tvarnø Christina , Tamasauskas Andreas , Cairns Walter , Pironon Valérie , Hünert Matthias , Shúilleabháin Máire Ní , Mota Pinto Paulo , Ribot Igualada Jordi , Hahn Anne-Catherine , MacQueen Hector L , Stefula Martin
Published: April 2022

Reporters

Austria: Martin Stefula

Belgium: Vincent Sagaert

Denmark: Kim Østergaard, Christina Tvarnø, Andreas Tamasauskas

England: Walter Cairns

France: Bénédicte Fauvarque-Cosson, Valérie Pironon

Germany: Matthias Hünert

Greece: Eugenia Dacoronia

Ireland: Máire Ní Shuilleabháin

Italy: Raffaele Caterina

Netherlands: Bert van Schaick

Portugal: Paulo Mota Pinto

Scotland: Hector MacQueen

Spain: Miquel Martín-Casals, Jordi Ribot Igualada, Albert Ruda González

Switzerland: Anne-Catherine Hahn
Response to the Action Plan on European Contract Law: A More Coherent European Contract Law (COM (2003) 63)
Authors: von Bar Christian
Published: April 2022

Abstract: In its Action Plan on European Contract Law of 12 February 2003, the Commission presented the conclusions drawn from the first round of consultation on European contract law. The authors, both being members of the Study Group on a European Civil Code, react to three measures proposed by the Action Plan. In particular, they advocate the creation of the so-called common frame of reference, conceived not as a mere exposition of current legal diversity in the various Member States, but as a codified body of private law principles readily usable by legal advisers, judges and legislators alike.
Present and Future of Real and Personal Security
Authors: Drobnig Ulrich
Published: April 2022

Abstract: In this General Report presented at the XVIth Congress of Comparative Law in Brisbane (July 2002), the author discusses two basic types of security. First, he addresses personal security, understood as an obligation assumed by a third party as security for the principal debtor’s obligation. By contrast, real security is a property right granted, as a rule, by the principal debtor itself in its own assets; its peculiar feature is the fact that it conveys, with respect to the charged assets, a privileged position to the secured creditor. The author concludes his report with some “informed speculation” about the future development of the law of security.
Recent case law/Arrêts récents/Aktuelle Gerichtsentscheidungen
Authors: van Schaick Bert , Ruda Albert , Østergaard Kim , Sagaert Vincent , Dacoronia Eugenia , Caterina Raffaele , Petz Thomas , Tvarnø Christina , Tamasauskas Andreas , Cairns Walter , Pironon Valérie , Hünert Matthias , Shúilleabháin Máire Ní , Mota Pinto Paulo , MacGregor Laura , Ribot Igualada Jordi , Hahn Anne-Catherine
Published: April 2022

Transfer of property

While according to Article 545 of the Italian Code of Civil Procedure credits arising from job relations can be seized by creditors only up to one fifth of their value, the Italian Corte di Cassazione (sez. III), 16 June 2003, n. 9630 decided that the rule is aimed at protecting the employee. This protection does not apply in favour of the assignee when the credits are assigned to a third party.

Under Article 3:94 of the Dutch CC, rights that are to be exercised against one or more specifically identified persons are issued by means of a deed intended for that purpose, and notice thereof is given to such persons by the party disposing of, or acquiring, these rights. The Dutch Hoge Raad 16 May 2003, (RvdW 2003, 95) confirmed that, in order to transfer or pledge these rights lawfully, it is necessary and sufficient for the deed to contain such information as makes it possible to determine the rights concerned – if necessary afterwards. In order to determine the exact content of the deed, the judge should also take into account the meaning which the parties, in the relevant circumstances, may reasonably have attributed to each other’s statements and behaviour, as well as any expectations that they could reasonably have in this respect.
Reiner Schulze/Gianmaria Ajani (eds), Common Principles of European Private Law – Studies of a Research Network / Gemeinsame Prinzipien des Europäischen Privatrechts – Studien eines Forschungsnetzwerk
Authors: Twigg-Flesner Christian
Published: April 2022

This book is a collection of 21 essays on various aspects of what is commonly referred to as ‘European private law’. The contributors were members of a research network which had been set up to study the various routes through which a common European private law may take shape: comparative studies on similarities between the various European jurisdictions, the influence of European Community law, and uniform international laws. Some of the papers are written in English, but the majority are in German. Each of the German papers is followed by a summary in English, and vice versa. It is now common for such collections to feature contributions in different languages, but it does mean that the readership is limited to those who have a sufficient command of both languages. One suspects that for many academics in the UK, for example, the various German contributions will remain largely inaccessible, and the summaries at the end of these chapters are often too brief to convey adequately what is discussed. However, a reader who is not restricted by language will find a lot of interesting material in this collection. It is not possible to examine all the contributions in detail, and the following outline discussion must suffice.
Cour de Cassation française, 2e chambre civile, 4 juillet 2002 – On the Assumption of Risk.
Authors: Dias Pereira André Gonçalo , Salas Murillo Sofía del Pilar de
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The young girl Vanessa, aged ten, was taking part in a football training session within the framework of a team organized by the association of the young firemen of Charost, in which she occupied the position of goalkeeper, when she was injured by a ball shot at her by Mr. Y, the assistant trainer who had been charged with the supervision.

Vanessa’s parents, as the legal guardians of their minor aged daughter, held Mr. Y, the association of the young firemen of Charost and the insurance company Allianz responsible and sued for compensation for the undergone damages.

On first instance and on appeal, the courts held that the parents could not claim for damages on the basis of Article 1384, paragraph 1, of the French Civil Code, the core text for establishing a strict liability regime (responsabilité objective or responsabilité du fait des choses). The justification for this was that in participating, the young girl had accepted the risks linked to the activity and had therefore given up her right to claim reparations in case of any prejudice which she could suffer in the course of that activity.

In its decision of cassation for violation of the law, however, the second Chambre Civile of the Cour de Cassation rejected the ‘assumption of risk’ theory. More precisely, it held that the fact that the child was participating in a pedagogical activity under the authority and supervision of a trainer excluded the assumption of risk.

As a result of this decision, the theory of the assumption of risk now has a more restricted scope in sports (it thus seems to be limited to competition games). The next question is whether it should be completely abandoned or not, especially considering the fact that in sports competitions, the associations or clubs must have insurance.
The European Commission?s Action Plan: Towards a More Coherent European Contract Law?
Authors: Hesselink Martijn W.
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The European Commission?s Action Plan for a more Coherent European Contract Law is an important step towards a European Code of Contracts. However, it is doubtful whether such a Code would make European contract law more coherent and whether it would make the internal market function more smoothly, as the Commission expects. Nevertheless, there may be good reasons for such an (optional) code. Those reasons should play a more prominent role in the debate.
Immobiliarsicherheiten in England, Schottland und Deutschland, oder: Mortgage, charge und standard security versus Hypothek, Grundschuld und Sicherungsübereignung.
Authors: Schäper Eva
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The following paper deals with the national law in England, Scotland and Germany governing real securities over land. After an introduction (under I) a short outline over the generally possible interests in land and their protection within the three considered legal systems follows (under II) to allow a better understanding of some special terms. A brief comparison concludes this overview. In the main part (under III) the different types and contents of real securities over land are shown, compared and discussed. Especially their technical construction (under 1), the English equitable mortgages and charges over legal interests in land (under 2), other rights in land, such as the English equitable interests in land, as security (under 3) and the possibility of a conveyance of land as security (under 4) are examined. Here it is focused especially on the law?s consideration of the arising practical needs and interests of mortgagor/chargor and mortgagee/chargee as well as on the systematical clearness of the law. In the final conclusion (under IV) it is pointed out that within the rules governing real securities over land there are similarities as well as differences between the three legal systems. However the differences partly result from general phenomena which are sometimes deeply rooted in the legal system. Since their harmonisation does not seem probable in the near future the creation of a special international ?land charge or mortgage? is finally recommended.
Cour de Cassation française, 2e chambre civile, 24 janvier 2002 - Compensation for Lost Undeclared Income
Authors: Papadopoulou-Klamaris Dimitra , Fayot Franz , Salas Murillo Sofía del Pilar de , Erniquin Thierry , Raneri Gian-Franco
Published: April 2022

Abstract: In this case of 24 January 2002 (No. 99-16.576, Bull. civ. II, No. 5, RTD civ. 2002.309, obs. P. Jourdain), the Second Civil Chamber of the French Supreme Court ruled on the question of the victim?s situation in an unlawful context. In the case in question, a cleaner who was a victim of a traffic accident submitted a claim for compensation to the insurers of the liable driver for damage resulting not only from the loss of the salary as evidenced by the pay-slips, but also from the loss of undeclared income related to black market work. The Court of Appeal of Montpellier approved the claim for full compensation. But the French Supreme Court overturned the decision, based on the fact ?that a victim can be awarded compensation for the loss of her income only if the latter is lawful?. On the basis of Article 1382 of the French Civil Code, this refusal of compensation makes a fundamental condition for the right to compensation of the lawfulness of the victim?s situation.

This case will be discussed from the point of view of Luxembourgian, Spanish, Belgium and Greek law.
National Procedures, Public Policy and EC Law. From Van Schijndel to Eco Swiss and Beyond
Authors: Shelkoplyas Natalya
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The concept of public policy lies at the heart of national private (procedural) law. In the Community law, the European courts has dealt with public policy in a number of cases, most of which illustrate the problem of enforcement of EC law through national procedural rules and mechanisms. This article analyses the most important case law of the ECJ dealing with this issue, in particular hallmark cases like Van Schijndel and Eco Swiss). The authors argue that public policy as a complex phenomenon needs careful consideration when used in the context of EC law. The contribution elaborates on the foundations of the Community public policy as well as criteria for defining certain rules as rules of public policy suggesting that the fundamentality of the rule in question for Community legal order should be decisive as criterion.
European Private Law and Existing EC Law
Authors: Schulze Reiner
Published: April 2022

EC law has expanded so much in recent decades that it is possible to develop overarching principles for contract law and other areas of law from the provisions for individual subjects and sectors. Unlike thirty years ago, when the ?Lando-Commission? began its work, today the existing Community law itself can form the primary source of academic works for the further development of European private law. On this basis the ?acquis research? contributes to remove substantive and terminological inconsistencies in the acquis communautaire, as well as creating a frame of reference for the development of European contract law through legislative measures. The ?acquis-approach? and comparative studies however have to supplement each other. Although the principles of the existing European Community law cover more objects of contract law than commonly supposed, they by no means cover all areas.
BGH, 17.7.2003 - Set-off against a claim that had been awarded by an enforceable decision before the proceedings of the principal claim commenced
Authors: De Vries Gerard , Basozábal Xabier , Billiau Marc , Orfanidis G. , De Theije Mineke
Published: April 2022

This decision by the Bundesgerichtshof (German Supreme Court) was based on the following facts. The claimant sought to obtain from the first defendant the sum of ?3,916.32, being the remainder of a tax consultation fee. She initiated the action by a writ of summons dated 29 December 2000. During the court proceedings, the first defendant submitted that a claim for ?1,632.72, which had been awarded to him by an enforceable decision of the Amtsgericht (District Court) of Landshut dated March 2001, should be set off against the principal sum claimed. Thereupon the claimant unilaterally declared that the dispute had been settled for that amount, and claimed the remainder of the principal sum claimed.

The declaration of settlement submitted by the claimant was dismissed by the District Court, on the grounds that the action had already been brought before court proceedings in the principal claim had commenced. Because of Article 389 of the German Civil Code, it was necessary to conclude that the action should be dismissed in the light of the time at which eligibility for set-off arose. The Court of Appeal, on the other hand, decided that the dispute should be regarded as settled to the amount of ?1,632.74. It was not the elibility for set-off, but the set-off declaration made during the court proceedings which constituted the decisive development which caused the action, which initially was admissible and well-founded, to become unfounded. The Supreme Court application brought against this decision by the first defendant was unsuccessful. The Supreme Court was of the view that, even though the set-off mechanism had retrospective effect under the substantive law (Article 389 Civil Code), it was the set-off declaration which constituted the ?decisive development? for an action which up to that point had been admissible and well-founded. It is only as from the moment when the set-off declaration is made that the substantive law effect of set-off, i.e. the extinction of the claim in the main action, is achieved. This effect is not yet achieved when the claim becomes eligible for set-off.

The annotations below examine this decision from the perspective of Belgian, French, Greek, Dutch and Spanish law.
Maria Elena Sanches Jordan and Antonio Gambado (eds), Land Law in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Milo Michael
Published: April 2022

This book deals with comparative land law, and is a reflection of the annual colloquium of the International Association of Legal Science, which was held in 2001 at the La Laguna University of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands. Land law is property law?s national refuge par excellence.
BGH, 12.01.2005, XII ZR 60/03 und XII ZR 227/03 - Zur Frage der Verwertbarkeit einer heimlich eingeholten DNA-Analyse im Vaterschaftsanfechtungsverfahren
Authors: Verschelden Gerd , Vlaardingerbroek Paul
Published: April 2022

In two similar cases, the German BGH had to consider the question whether, and to what extent, secretly obtained DNA-analysis can be used in paternity proceedings. Plaintiff had initially recognized the paternity of Defendant. Later he had tests carried out without the knowledge and the consent of the mother, such tests being based on samples from Plaintiff (his saliva) and from the child (a chewing gum or a root of a hair). As the results ruled out paternity of Plaintiff, he contested his paternity in court. The instance courts and the appeals courts rejected his claim. Pursuant to the case law of the BGH the contestations in both cases were not brought conclusively. The mere motion of a plaintiff that he is not the father and that a forensic analysis will rule out paternity is not sufficient for a contestation of paternity. Instead, the plaintiff has to put forward circumstances that, seen objectively, are both capable of giving rise to doubts as to the paternity of the plaintiff and that allow for the possibility that the paternity of another man is not highly unlikely. A secret paternity test is not appropriate to indicate such circumstances, as its use would violate the personality right of the child (as protected under Articles 2(1) and 1(1) of the German Grundgesetz), in particular the right to so-called informational self-determination. The right of the father or father-apparent to know his paternity (which also follows from the right to personality) cannot be considered as paramount to that of the child. Besides, the refusal by the mother of the Defendant to consent, with retroactive effect, to the DNA analysis and its use in the trial does not amount to a first probable cause in the contestation proceedings, as such behaviour has to be considered as falling under the (negative) right to selfdetermination.
Unjustified Enrichment Based on Interference With Another’s Property in French and Greek Legal Order - The Specific Problem of the Requirement ’At the Expense of Another’
Authors: Filios Christian P.
Published: April 2022

Unjust enrichment and civil delictual liability are but the two sides of the same coin, having the same scope without overlapping, juridically speaking. This is obvious when enrichment arises from an illegal interference with another?s property. The French and the Greek legal order seem to be two legal systems maintaining until today the Einheitslehre of unjust enrichment claims. Both orders do not take into account a categorization and a systematization of claims in accordance with the requirements giving rise to an unjust profit. Regardless of the special provisions of each legal system, crucial questions arise in the same way: Would it be possible to consider, under the same perspective, enrichment by undue payment and enrichment due to the forces of nature (e.g. confusio or commixtio)? Is it possible to find a common denominator, as regards the causa, between enrichment with performance and enrichment without performance? How to compare enrichment produced by a person?s interference with another?s property with enrichment born by an undue payment? Is it not rather reasonable to proceed with the theory of separation of claims (Trennungslehre) proposed by German legal scholarship, after Wilburg?s and Von Caemmerer?s legal model of distinction between enrichment based on performance and enrichment not based on performance?
La Publicite Abusive Sur Internet: Quelques Reflexions sur le Phenomene du «Spam» dans la Perspective des Institutions Europeennes et de la Legislation Espagnole
Authors: Salas Murillo Sofía del Pilar de
Published: April 2022

Abstract:The European framework of principles applicable to the freedom of commercial expression is concretized, at the Spanish level, by standards applicable to the various advertising practices on the internet and in particular with that consisting in sending ‘spam’. The Spanish regulation constitutes a significant example. Deviating from the system adopted in the United States, it prohibits purely and simply the sending of unsolicited commercial communications by electronic mail or other equivalent means of electronic communication. However, within the framework of an already existing contractual relation, a company which obtains a customer’s data can use it for marketing products or services similar to those which were the subject of the contract (this is referred to as ‘soft consent’).

Zusammenfassung:Der europäische Grundsatzrahmen im Hinblick auf die Gewerbefreiheit wird im spanischen Recht durch Standards konkretisiert, die auf verschiedene Werbemöglichkeiten im internet und insbesondere auf die Versendung von ‘spam’ anwendbar sind. Die spanische Regelung stellt ein bedeutsames Beispiel dar. Im Gegensatz zu dem in den Vereinigten Staaten anwendbaren System verbietet es die gewöhnliche Versendung unaufgeforderter kommerzieller Kommunikation mittels elektronischer Post oder anderer vergleichbarer Arten elektronischer Kommunikation. Im Rahmen eines bereits bestehenden Vertragsverhältnisses kann allerdings ein Unternehmen, das Daten von seinen Kunden erhalten hat, diese Daten zu dem Zweck verwenden, um Produkte oder Dienstleistungen zu vermarkten. Voraussetzung hierfür ist, dass diese Produkte oder Dienstleistungen denjenigen entsprechen, die Gegenstand des Vertragsverhältnisses sind (dieses wird als ‘einfache Zustimmung’ verstanden).
Freedom of Contract: Mandatory and Non-Mandatory Rules in European Contract Law
Authors: Storme Matthias E.
Published: April 2022

Abstract:The purpose of this paper is a reflection of the position and function of common European rules in respect of limitations to freedom of contract, and more specifically on the role of mandatory and non-mandatory rules in general. After dealing with this more generally in the first part, the article addresses in its second part the different techniques restricting freedom of contract that we find in the PECL, the acquis communautaire, or the draft ‘common frame of reference’ (CFR). It is especially critical of anti-discrimination laws.

Résumé:Cet article se propose de réfléchir sur la position et la fonction des règles européennes communes se rapportant à la liberté contractuelle et plus spécifiquement au rôle des règles obligatoires et non obligatoires en général. Après avoir abordé cette question de manière générale dans la première partie, la seconde partie de cet article traite des diverses techniques limitant la liberté contractuelles présentent dans les PECL, l’acquis communautaire ou encore le projet d’un cadre commun de références. L’article est notamment très critique à l’égard de toute législation anti-discrimination.

Zusammenfassung:Der Zweck dieses Beitrags ist die Darstellung der Einordnung sowie der Funktion der gemeinschaftlichen europäischen Regelungen im Hinblick auf die Begrenzung der Privatautonomie und insbesondere auf die allgemeine Funktion der zwingenden und nicht zwingenden Vorschriften. Nachdem im ersten Abschnitt dieses Thema allgemein behandelt wird, widmet sich der zweite Teil den verschiedenen Methoden der Begrenzung von Privatautonomie, die man in den PECL, in der acquis communautaire oder auch in dem Entwurf ‘common frame of reference’ (CFR) wieder finden kann. Der Beitrag ist insbesondere kritisch gegenüber Antidiskriminierungsgesetze.
EC Competition Policy: Emasculating the Common Law Doctrine of the Restraint of Trade?
Authors: Lucey Mary Catherine
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Judicial analysis of the interface between EC competition law and the common law is rare. For this reason, the English High Court’s judgment in Days Medical Aids Limited v. Pihsiang Machinery Manufacturing Co. Limited and Ors is of note. This judgment is of enduring interest because its interpretation of EU law emasculates the common law restraint of trade doctrine (‘doctrine’) in respect of some commercial contracts. This article argues that the scope accorded by the High Court to EU law is not necessarily supported by the cited authorities and, further, that it places the doctrine in a precarious position.

Résumé: L’analyse par la jurisprudence des points de contact entre le droit communautaire de la concurrence et les principes de common law est relativement rare. Or, l’arrêt de la High Court d’Angleterre dans Days Medical Aids Limited v. Pihsiang Machinery Manufacturing Co. Limited and Ors semble particulièrement pertinente è cet égard. En effet, dans cette décision, le juge anglais se livre à une interprétation discutable du droit communautaire selon laquelle celui-ci contribuerait à affaiblir la notion de ‘restraint of trade’ au sens de la common law dans le contexte de certains contrats. L’objet de cet article est de remettre en cause l’analyse livrée par la High Court et de montrer en quoi son interprétation est contestable, notamment dans le sens où elle contribue à fragiliser une notion ancienne et bien établie de common law.

Zusammenfassung: Richterliche Analysen vom Zusammenwirken des Wettbewerbsrechts der EG mit dem Common Law sind selten. Aus diesem Grund ist das Urteil des Englischen High Courts im Fall Days Medical Aids Limited gegen Pihsiang Machinerz Manufacturing Co. Limited and Ors von andauernder Bedeutung, weil seine Interpretation des EU Rechts den Common Law Grundsatz ‘Restraint of Trade’ in Bezug auf einige Unternehmensverträge abschwächt. Dieser Artikel stützt die Behauptung, dass der vom High Court zugebilligte Anwendungsbereich des EU Rechts nicht notwendigerweise von den angeführten Urteilen umgesetzt wird und sich daraus für den bestehenden Common Law Grundsatz Unsicherheiten ergeben.
Der Abschluss der Diagnosephase zum Europäischen Vertragsrecht – Das Grünbuch 2007
Authors: Heutger Viola
Published: April 2022

Abstract: On 8 February 2007 the European Commission published a green paper on European consumer contract law. This green paper is the end of a process of evaluation of 8 Directives on consumer protection. For the development of aspects of a pan-European consumer contract law the green paper provides a clear direction. Comprehensible questions are posed and on their basis a new instrument on European contract law could be elaborated. The green paper is an accessible document. The European contract law seems to find its legislative path.

Résumé: Le 8 février 2007 le Livre vert sur la protection des consommateurs de la Commission européenne est paru. Il conclut la phase de diagnostic dans l’examen de huit directives qui constituent le cadre européen de la protection des consommateurs. Ce Livre vert est appelé à jouer un rôle principal dans l’évolution européenne unifiée du droit de la protection des consommateurs. Il pose des questions claires sur la base desquelles une réglementation du droit des consommateurs pourrait se développer. Le Livre vert est un document accessible. Une méthode législative semble lentement se dessiner en matière de droit europèen des contrats.

Zusammenfassung: Am 8. Februar 2007 erschien ein Grünbuch der Europäischen Kommission zum europäischen Verbrauchervertragsrecht. Dieses Grünbuch war der Abschluss der Diagnosephase im Rahmen der Überprüfung von acht Richtlinien zum Verbraucherschutz. Für die Entwicklung eines gemeineuropäischen Vertragsrechts ist dieses Grünbuch richtungweisend. Es stellt deutliche Fragen, an Hand derer ein Instrument zur Regelung von Teilaspekten des europäischen Verbrauchervertragsrechts entwickelt werden könnte. Das Grünbuch der Kommission ist ein gut zugängliches Dokument geworden. Das europäische Vertragsrecht scheint langsam eine Gesetzgebungsmethode zu entwickeln.
The European Convention on Human Rights and Environmental Nuisances
Authors: Praduroux Sabrina
Published: April 2022

Abstract: In as much as environmental nuisances caused by industrial activities can have adverse effects on both the economic and the amenity value of an area, from the European Convention on Human Rights perspective they can be seen to interfere with either the right of property or the right to respect for private and family life. The current case law of the Strasbourg Court shows the Court’s preference for applying Article 8, which protects the right to respect for private and family life, and which affords, especially from the procedural point of view, a less far–reaching protection than Article 1 of Protocol No. 1, concerning the right of property.

Résumé: Considéré que les émissions nocives causées par l?exploitation d?une activité industrielle peuvent avoir une incidence négative autant sur la valeur économique que sur la beauté d?un lieu, elles peuvent, dans la perspective de la Convention européenne des droits de l?homme, être considérées en tant qu?une ingérence aussi bien dans le droit de propriété que dans le droit au respect de la vie privée et familiale. Toutefois, de la jurisprudence de la Cour de Strasbourg il ressort que la Cour préfère appliquer l?article 8, qui protège le droit au respect de la vie privée et familiale et qui offre, spécialement sur le plan procédural, des garanties moindres que celle prévues dans le cadre de l?article 1 du Protocole 1 consacré au droit de propriété.

Zusammenfassung: Insofern durch die Industrie verursachte Umweltbeeinträchtigungen negative Auswirkungen sowohl auf den wirtschaftlichen Wert als auch auf den Annehmlichkeitswert eines Gebietes haben können, können diese aus der Perspektive der Europäischen Menschenrechtskonvention als Eingriff entweder in das Recht auf Eigentum oder in das Recht auf Achtung das Privat- und Familienlebens betrachtet werden. Gegenwärtige Rechtsprechung des Straßburger Gerichtshofes zeigt die Präferenz des Gerichtshofes für die Anwendung von Artikel 8, welcher das Recht auf Achtung des Privat- und Familienlebens schützt und welcher ? insbesondere vom verfahrensrechtlichen Standpunkt ? einen weniger weitreichenden Schutz als Artikel 1 des 1. Zusatz-protokolls hinsichtlich des rechts auf Eigentum gewahrt.
House of Lords 3 May 2006, Barker v. Corus Neue Impulse für das Europäische Deliktsrecht vom House of Lords
Authors: Geiger Stefan , Kruse Constantin
Published: April 2022

Abstract: With Barker v. Corus, the House of Lords has given fresh impetus to European Tort Law. After having affirmed liability in cases of alternative liability in Fairchild v. Glenhaven Funeral Services and Others, it has now engaged with the concept of liability due to mere probability. Thus, the importance of the dogma of causation and of the dogma of the injured person’s established right for compensation has decreased considerably. The consequences for the law of liability and for the insurance industry are unforeseeable.

Résumé: Avec Barker v. Corus, la House of Lords a de nouveau impulsé le droit européen de la responsabilité délictuelle. Après avoir affi rmé la responsabilité en cas decausalité alternative avec Fairchild v. Glenhaven Funeral Services and Others, elle s?est maintenant, avec des conséquences qui ne sont pas encore prévisibles ni pour le droit de la responsabilité civile ni pour les sociétés d?assurance, engagée avec le concept de responsabilité en raison de probabilité. Ainsi, et le dogme de la causalité et le dogme du droit établi du sinistré à la réparation ont perdu considérablement de leur importance.

Zusammenfassung: Mit Barker v. Corus hat das House of Lords dem europäischen Deliktsrecht einen neuen Impuls gegeben. Nachdem es bereits in Fairchild v. Glenhaven Funeral Services and Others die Haftung bei alternativer Kausalität bejaht hatte, hat es sich nun, mit noch nicht absehbaren Folgen für das Haftungsrecht und die Versicherungswirtschaft, auf das Konzept einer Wahrscheinlichkeitshaftung eingelassen. Das Kausalitätsdogma und das Dogma von der feststehenden Ersatzberechtigung des Geschädigten haben damit erheblich an Bedeutung verloren.
ECHR 30 August 2007, Pye v. United Kingdom: A Technical Retreat from Private (Property) Law
Authors: Milo Michael
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights has judged on 30 August 2007, in a ten to seven majority opinion, that the arrangements regarding adverse possession under the law of England and Wales is in conformity with Article 1 First Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights (Art. 1 FP). This decision reversed the chamber decision on Pye v. UK of 15 November 2005. The Grand Chamber decision is an important decision, for two reasons. The decision makes clear that national arrangements of private (property) law are fundamentally subject to a constitutional review by the ECHR. But the decision also makes clear that the Court – at least for the moment, and according to the majority opinion – will be reticent in exercising this power. While the result is positive for private property law, the court’s reasoning may be subject to critique.

Résumé: La Grande Chambre de la Cour européenne des Droits de l?Homme a jugé le 30 août 2007, par dix voix contre sept, que le droit britannique de la prescription acquisitive est en conformité avec l?article 1 du Protocole no 1 à la Convention. Cette décision infi rme la décision Pye c. R-U du 15 novembre 2005. La décision de la Grande Chambre est importante pour deux raisons. Elle précise, tout d?abord, que les modalités nationales du droit privé (de la propriété) peuvent être sujettes à un contrôle de constitutionalité par laCEDH. Mais cette décision précise également que la Cour, du moins pour le moment, et en accord avec l?opinion majoritaire, sera réticente à exercer son pouvoir. Si le résultat est positifpour le droit privé de la propriété, le raisonnement de la Cour peut être sujet à critiques.

Zusammenfassung: Die Große Kammer des Europäischen Gerichtshofs für Menschenrechte hat am 30. August 2007 in einer 10 zu 7 ergangenen Mehrheitsentscheidung entschieden, dass Vereinbarungen über die Ersitzung nach dem Recht in England und Wales vereinbar sein mit Artikel 1 Erstes Protokoll der Europäischen Menschenrechtskonvention(Art. 1 EP). Diese Entscheidung hat die Entscheinung der Kammer in der Rechtssache Pye v. UK vom 15. November 2005 widerrufen. Die Entscheidung der Großen Kammer ist aufgrund zweier Aspekte von großer Bedeutung. Diese Entscheidung macht deutlich, dass nationale Vereinbarungen im Rahmen des Privat (Sachen-) rechts grundsätzlich Gegenstand einer grundrechtlichen Überprüfung durch den EGMR sein können. Diese Entscheidung macht dagegen auch deutlich, dass der Gerichtshof ? zumindest derzeit und nach Ansicht der mehrheitlichen Meinung ? zurückhaltend in der Ausübung seiner Befugnis sein wird. Während das Ergebnis durchaus positiv für das privatrechtliche Sachenrecht ist, muss die Begründung des Gerichtshofs kritisch beurteilt werden.
The European Law School (Network)
Authors: Dutheil de la Rochère Jacqueline , Grundmann Stefan , Phillips John
Published: April 2022

The European Law School (Network) opened its doors at the end of the 2007/2008 academic year. For the first time, three universities have come together to create a comprehensive European legal education. The initial project will be to create a program of study, with both national and international components. This joint venture is not simply to create another Master’s program but an understanding of Europe that emphasizes and promotes both unity and diversity. We develop this theme in sections 4 and 5 of this paper. At the same time the program endeavours to provide the essential features of a modern legal education (as set out in section 5), albeit, at the present time, for only a limited number of students.
Have the PECL Been a Success or a Failure?
Authors: Lando Ole
Published: April 2022

The article treats the impact of the Principles of European Contract Law (PECL), which were published in 2000 and 2003. They have had a considerable influence on law reforms in various European Countries, and has prompted the Commission of the EC to sponsor the bringing about of a Common Frame of Reference which is being prepared by the Study Group of a European Civil Code and other groups, and which is intended to operate as soft law. However, the author’s ambition that the PECL would bring about a binding European Civil Code of Contract applicable in the European Union and replacing the national laws will probably not be realised for a long time to come.
European Construction Law and the Draft Common Frame of Reference: Selected Topics
Authors: Kohl Benoît
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT: Chapter IV.C-3 of the academic ‘Draft Common Frame of Reference’, published in February 2009, deals with the specific construction contract (Articles IV.C-3:101 to IV.C-3:108), that is, the contract ‘under which one party, the constructor, undertakes to construct a building or other immovable structure, or to materially alter an existing building or other immovable structure, following a design provided by the client’ (Article IV.C-3:101). The aim of this paper was, first, to set out some points of comparison, in relation with the building of immovable structures only, between the solutions provided under the Draft Common Frame of Reference and under Belgian law to the same legal issue (especially the variations ordered by the client, the delivery procedure and the liability for defects that appear after delivery of the works) and then to discuss the specific rules existing in Belgium regarding the acquisition by consumers of buildings (houses or apartments) under construction. Finally, I will discuss the question as to whether it could also be useful to take further steps towards harmonizing consumer protection in the field of construction law.
Book VI of the DCFR (Non-contractual Liability Arising Out of Damage Caused to Another) and European Private International Law
Authors: Palao Moreno Guillermo
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT: This article aims to explore the possible relationship that may arise between the model rules contained in Book VI of the Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR, concerning non-contractual liability) and the recent Rome II Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 864/2007, on the law applicable to non-contractual obligations), as well as the harmonising value of both texts for the internal market. Two main questions will be highlighted: firstly, the ‘hidden’ conflict-of-laws rules present in some of the provisions of Book VI, which invoke the application of national law, and which requires the prior application of Rome II Regulation; and secondly, the possible scope of party autonomy in Article 14 of the Rome II Regulation, allowing parties to incorporate the rules of Book VI of the DCFR into their choice.

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: In diesem Beitrag soll das mögliche Verhältnis zwischen den im Buch VI Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR, concerning non-contractual liability) und der neuen Rom II-Verordnung (Verordnung (EG) 864/2007, über das auf außervertragliche Schuldverhältnisse anzuwendendes Recht ) sowie der Beitrag beider Regelungen für eine Harmonisierung des Binnenmarktes untersucht werden. Zwei Hauptfragen stehen dabei im Vordergrund: Erstens die ,,verborgenen“ Kollisionsnormen, die in einigen Bestimmungen des Buch VI enthalten sind, auf das nationale Recht verweisen und eine vorherige Anwendung der Rom II-Verordnung erfordern. Zweitens der mögliche Umfang der Parteiautonomie in Artikel 14 der Rom II-Verordnung, der es den Parteien erlaubt, die Regelungen des Buch VI der DCFR in ihre Rechtswahl zu integrieren.
The Proposal for a European Directive on Consumer Rights: A Step Forward
Authors: Hondius Ewoud H.
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The 2008 proposal for a directive on consumer rights has been received with quite some hostility by the academic community. This paper argues that the proposal should be welcomed. It tries to demonstrate that the proposed maximum harmonization, with the exception of the regime on contract terms, is an improvement for all parties. The one proviso is that the standard of consumer protection, which the proposal in some instances diminishes, should live up to the high level required by Article 153 EC Treaty.

Résumé: Le projet de directive sur les droits des consommateurs a été mal accueilli. Le présent article veut montrer que ce projet peut être approuvé. Hormis les clauses abusives, l’harmonisation maximale est une amélioration pour toutes les parties. A condition que le niveau de protection du consommateur qui, dans certains cas a été diminué, réponde aux exigences de l’article 153 du Traité CE.

Zusammenfassung: Der Entwurf einer Richtlinie über Verbraucherrechte von 2008 ist im Schrifttum schlecht empfangen worden. Dieser Beitrag versucht zu erklären weshalb der Entwurf begrüßenswert ist. Die vorgeschlagene vollständige Harmonisierung, mit Ausnahme des Bereichs der Allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen, ist zu begrüßen. Der Text sollte nur mit dem vom Artikel 153 EG verlangten hohem Schutzniveau übereinstimmen, was im Vorschlag nicht immer der Fall ist.
The DCFR, the ACQP and the Reactions of Italian Legal Scholars
Authors: Pasa Barbara
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Italian commentators welcome the promotion of the Europeanization of Private Law through the process of increasing the coherence of EC legislation in the areas of consumer and contract law, although they appear to conclude that the Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR) and the Acquis Principles (ACQP) fall significantly short of achieving those goals. The stated purpose of the Italian comments is to stimulate critical yet constructive commentaries – at least insofar as the authors’ intention is concerned – to be submitted to the project’s architects, with a view to contribute to the harmonization of European contract and consumer law. General criticisms concern the scope of application of the two instruments, DCFR and ACQP (often extended without good reasons to B2B contracts) and the ‘legislative technique’ used in drafting them. Further causes for concern from the point of view of Italian scholars relate to general principles such as good faith, unfairness, reasonableness, or the principle of non-discrimination. As for the specific contents of the DCFR and ACQP, Italian scholars analyse formal requirements, contract formation, non-negotiated terms, withdrawal, performance of obligations, nonperformance and damages.

Résumé: La doctrine italienne approuve le développement d’une européanisation du droit privé, à travers le processus de renforcement de la cohérence de la législation de l’UE dans les domaines du droit de la consommation et du droit des contrats. Elle conclue cependant que le Projet de Cadre Commun de Référence (PCCR) et l’Acquis Communautaire (ACQP) échouent en grande partie dans la poursuite de ces objectifs. Le but énoncé des commentaires italiens est de stimuler des avis critiques mais constructifs – du moins s’agissant de l’intention des auteurs – et de les soumettre aux architectes du projet, afin de contribuer à l’harmonisation du droit européen des contrats et de la consommation. Les critiques générales visent le champ d’application des deux instruments, le PCCR et l’ACQP (souvent étendus, sans bonnes raisons, aux contrats B2B) et la « technique législative » utilisée pour les concevoir. D’autres causes de préoccupation énoncées par les spécialistes italiens concernent des principes généraux tels que la bonne foi, la déloyauté, l’équité ou le principe de non-discrimination. Quant aux contenus spécifiques du PCCR et de l’ACQP, les spécialistes italiens font une analyse des conditions de forme, de la formation des contrats, des termes non-négociés, de la rétractation, de l’exécution des obligations, de l’inexécution et des dommages.
The (Ir)Relevance of Harmonization and Legal Diversity to European Contract Law: A Perspective from Psychology
Authors: Low Gary
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Differences between contract laws of Member States are often said to impose costs on and deter cross-border trade; and, that in order to increase cross-border trade, these contract laws ought to be harmonized. This article considers whether there is a need for harmonization; and if so, what form it ought to take. The discipline of psychology is relied on to answer two underlying questions: how do actors think about these differences when they decide to contract? How does the form of harmonization influence such decisions? Insights from cognitive and social psychology are identified and applied to find out how actors think and what motivates them to make the decisions they do. These insights lead us to question whether actors think about differences between contract laws. This is a point which, in turn, questions the need for harmonization. Furthermore, if a great many actors prefer the status quo, this strongly suggests that harmonization by way of optional rules may not achieve the desired result.

Résumé: Il est souvent dit que les différences entre le droit des contrats des États Membres imposent des coûts supplémentaires et découragent le commerce transfrontalier ; que, afin d’augmenter le commerce transfrontalier, ces droits devraient être harmonisés. Cet article s’interroge sur le besoin d’harmonisation et, dans l’affirmative, sur la forme qu’elle devrait prendre. Une approche comportementale est adoptée pour répondre à deux questions fondamentales : comment est-ce que les acteurs envisagent ces différences quand ils décident de s’engager par voie de contrat ? Comment le mode d’harmonisation influe sur de telles décisions ? Les perspectives de disciplines telles que la psychologie cognitive et sociale sont identifiées et appliquées pour découvrir comment les acteurs pensent et ce qui motive les décisions qu’ils prennent. Ces perspectives de la psychologie nous mènent à douter que les acteurs pensent aux différences entre les droits nationaux des contrats. Une telle conclusion remet, à son tour, en cause la nécessité d’une harmonisation. En outre, si un grand nombre d’acteurs préfèrent le statu quo, cela suggère fortement que l’harmonisation, par le biais de règles facultatives, peut ne pas aboutir au résultat visé.