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Online Symposium on Recent Developments in African Private International Law
It is not uncommon for African and foreign scholars of private international law (PIL) to lament the current state of the field in Africa. Until the early years of the 21st century, PIL was widely regarded, often with little hesitation, as ‘a neglected and highly underdeveloped subject in Africa’.[i] Professor Forsyth famously described it as a ‘Cinderella subject, seldom studied and little understood’.[ii] This limited scholarly attention is reflected, for instance, in the treatment of African PIL in the Hague Academy courses, which include only 4 courses specifically devoted to PIL in Africa, the most recent of which dates back to 1993.[iii] Since then, a number of pleas for greater attention to PIL in Africa,[iv] as well as calls for enhanced cooperation with African countries to ensure better involvement and inclusiveness,[v] have been voiced.[vi] Read more
Conflict of laws in the South African courts: an(other) recent missed opportunity
Posted on behalf of Jason Mitchell, barrister at Maitland Chambers in London and at Group 621 in Johannesburg.
An Australian, Hannon, wants to book a Southern African safari with his partner, Murti, as a surprise birthday gift. He sees one he likes on an Australian travel website. Hannon fills in the online form.
It turns out that the website is just the agent for a South African company, Drifters Adventours. Drifters emailed Hannon the price and payment details. Attached to the email is a brochure. The brochure says, “Drifters do not accept responsibility for any loss, injury, damage, accident, fatality, delay or inconvenience experienced while on tour.” The brochure also says, “You will be required to complete and sign a full indemnity prior to your tour departure.” Read more
The Titanium Brace Tightens: Rome II and Director Liability after Wunner
By Luisa Cassar Pullicino and Krista Refalo, Ganado Advocates
In the preliminary reference Case C-77/24 Wunner (the Titanium Brace case), the CJEU was asked to determine whether a damages claim brought by a consumer directly against company directors for losses suffered from unlicensed online gambling fell within the scope of the Rome II Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 864/2007), or whether it was excluded under Article 1(2)(d) as a “non-contractual obligation arising out of the law of companies”.
The practical stakes were considerable. If Rome II applied, Article 4(1) would designate the law of the place where the damage occurred — which, for online gambling losses, would normally be the habitual residence of the consumer. If excluded, the applicable law would instead be determined by national conflict-of-laws rules, typically, the lex societatis.
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Hybrid Lecture: Venezuela’s Oil, Between a Rock and a Hard (Arbitration) Place (UCL, 26 Feb 2026, 1pm)
EAPIL Conference in Geneva from 18-20 June 2026: Registration open!
From 18 to 20 June 2026 the European Association of Private International Law (EAPIL) will host its third biannual conference. Following the Association’s conferences in Aarhus (Denmark) and Wroclaw (Poland) the conference promises to be a key event for scholars and practitioners interested in the present and future of European private international law.
Programme and Audience
Under the title “Shaping the Future of Private International Law in Europe – Putting Together the Pieces & Filling Gaps”, the conference will address structural developments, unresolved issues, and emerging challenges in European private international law. Special emphasis will be placed on 1) the consolidation of European private international law in a single instrument (EuPIL Act), 2) the unification of international property law (including the protection of cultural objects), and 3) the relationship of European Private International Law with third States.
All topics will be addressed from an analytical and a forward-looking perspective, combining doctrinal reflection with policy-oriented debate. Contributions will come from an internationally diverse group of speakers, reflecting EAPIL’s commitment to comparative and transnational perspectives.
The conference is open to academics, judges, practitioners, policymakers, and early-career researchers with an interest in (European) private international law.
Venue and Organisation
Hosted by the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva, the conference will take place exclusively in person in Geneva. The choice of venue underscores the international outlook of the event and provides an ideal setting for scholarly exchange and networking.
Registration
Registration is available here. An early-bird rate applies until 15 March 2026, with standard registration available until 17 May 2026. Participation fees vary depending on registration date and include the option to attend the conference dinner. Further details on fees and registration can be found on the conference website.
Why Attend?
The EAPIL Conference 2026 offers a unique opportunity to:
- engage with cutting-edge research in private international law,
- discuss current reform projects and unresolved doctrinal questions,
- connect with leading scholars and practitioners from across jurisdictions, and
- contribute to shaping the future development of the field.
Further Information
More information on the programme, registration, and practical details is available on the conference website.
About EAPIL
The European Association of Private International Law was founded in 2019 to promote the study and development of Private International Law. It has today more than 600 members from more than 70 countries. For more information visit the EAPIL website and follow the EAPIL blog.
Crossroads in Private International Law Webinar with Tobias Lutzi on “Crossroads in Private International Law Seminar on the Reform of EU Private International Law” at the University of Aberdeen
The Centre for Private International Law & Transnational Governance of the University of Aberdeen is continuing its Crossroads in Private International Law webinar series with a talk by Tobias Lutzi (University of Augsburg) titled ‘Between Ambition and Realism – What to Expect from the Upcoming Reforms to the Rome II and Brussels Ia Regulation?’:
The Centre for Private International Law & Transnational Governance invites you to attend the next seminar in our Crossroads in Private International Law seminar series. You can find the link to register at the bottom of this page.
Prof Tobias Lutzi (Junior Professor for Private Law at Augsburg University) will give a seminar on the reforms to the Rome II and Brussels Ia Regulation. Prof Lutzi has kindly provided the following abstract:
Last year, the EU Commission formally kicked off the process of reforming two key instruments of EU Private International Law, identifying potential areas for reform and setting out some overarching policy goals. In 2026, the Commission will face the more difficult decision of which of those areas to actually focus on. This talk will discuss the respective merits of those areas of reform, highlighting the tension between ambition and realism that will shape the Commission’s work.
We are looking forward to welcoming you online or on campus!
Additional information and the link to register can be found here.