European Contract Law and Future Challenges

European contract law has deep-rooted traditions dating back to Roman times, but in essence, it is regulatory in nature. In an era where the Diesel scandal has once again highlighted the importance of the relationship between private law and public good regulation, and where the prominent themes of digitalisation and sustainability develop with overwhelming force, it is high time to look at the foundations and the challenges inherent to all these evolutions. Key areas of focus include consumers and market building, especially in digital markets (as the EU foundational task), private law and public good regulation, human rights and constitutional values (the ethical and political dimension of EU contract law), the question of sources (ius commune and/or ius communitatis) and sustainability. European contract law deploys dynamics in all these dimensions which are remarkable.

Our exploration of this theme begins with an examination of the historical and theoretical foundations, progressing from the ‘constitution’ to delve into specific key topics before addressing the current landscape and future trajectory, particularly in terms of social and environmental sustainability.

The book caters to an audience engaged in cutting-edge scientific research, including advanced young researchers, professionals in European private law, as well as practitioners involved in legislation and premium parts of adjudication, and legal counselling.

Stefan Grundmann holds the Chair for Private Law, Commercial Law, European and Comparative Law at Humboldt-University Berlin. His main areas of research are German, European and Comparative Contract, Banking and Company Law, Regulation and Pluralist Law Theory.

Pietro Sirena holds the Chair for Civil Law, Comparative Private Law, and European Contract Law at Bocconi University. His main areas of research are consumer protection in European law, banking law, and restitution law.