The research conducted by the Study Group on a European Civil Code seeks to advance the process of Europeanisation of private law by drafting a set of common European principles which are especially relevant for the functioning of the common market. The aim is the creation of a European Civil Code, or a Common Frame of Reference, to furnish each of the national jurisdictions a framework of rules of private international law.

This textbook presents an outline of the emerging multi-level system of contract law in Europe. The book discusses the law of contract at national, European, and international levels, but in an integrated horizontal fashion. At the national level, the focus is mainly, but not exclusively, on English, French, and German law. At the European level, both the acquis communautaire and Common Frame of Reference are carefully analyzed. At the international level, the author concentrates on the Vienna Sales Convention (CISG) as the central instrument with special attention being paid throughout to...

This volume analyses thirteen cases, from the perspective of sixteen national European legal systems, in order to explore the legal nature of the precontractual phase and the liability which may follow a break-off of precontractual negotiations. The precontractual phase is difficult to characterise and analyse in either legal or practical terms. The negotiating parties have begun their journey together, but they are not yet in the relationship the contract which is their aim. The negotiations may fail after a lengthy period in which either party may have incurred significant expenses and...