Doctoral Research Project

Principle-based interpretation of the recast Brussels regulation in representative actions

This doctoral research project aims to establish the current standing of collective redress mechanisms within the framework of European civil procedural law, thereby contributing to its "conceptual coherence. " It seeks to identify answers grounded in the fundamental principles of European civil procedural law to questions arising in the application of law concerning cross-border representative actions in civil and commercial matters within the EU. In pursuing this objective, the project endeavours to demonstrate that robust interpretative outcomes under the recast Brussels regulation necessitate the resolution of conflicts between overarching principles of European civil procedural law while considering the specific characteristics of representative actions. Methodologically, this entails engaging with the autonomous and principle-based reasoning patterns employed by the CJEU in its rulings on the recast Brussels regulation and its predecessor instruments. Drawing upon these research findings, existing reform proposals for the recast Brussels regulation will be systematically analysed and evaluated. Furthermore, the doctoral project aspires to illustrate, through a comprehensive examination of the principle-based dimension of European civil procedural law, its capacity to address procedural issues in both collective and individual litigation contexts.

Research Focus Areas

• International civil procedural law
• European Union law
• Collective redress
• Consumer protection
• Private enforcement