Conference programme

This session explores the significance and development of private international law principles in the civil and commercial sphere, in times of crisis and conflict. Our panel of experts will take an in depth look at how legal obligations between private individuals and businesses may be (and are being) affected, including considering questions of governing law and jurisdiction, the recognition and enforcement of judgments and contractual relationships.

This session will delve into state immunity in the context of delicta imperii, exploring the delicate balance between protecting sovereign interests and ensuring accountability of states for crimes under international law that are considered outside the scope of sovereign authority, such as crimes against humanity or the crime of aggression. After an introduction to the governing general principles, the panel will discuss the long-lasting dispute between Germany and Italy regarding compensation for victims of crimes committed by the Nazi forces in the Second World War and will explore potential paths for enforcement of claims against states in light of more recent armed conflicts.

It has now been three years since the UK withdrew from the EU’s jurisdiction and enforcement regime, hence it is a timely moment to take stock of how this has affected litigating around the EU. Is the jurisdiction and enforcement landscape more complicated? What about obtaining interim relief and seeking to enforce that around Europe? Are the old difficulties of parallel proceedings back on the agenda? Are there other consequences arising from Brexit? This panel will review matters from the perspectives of the UK, the EU27 and from a ‘third party’ standpoint.