Implementation of optional instruments within European civil law

This study examines how European optional instruments are implemented in the Member States. It covers civil law and provides a comprehensive analysis of this innovative method, which although adopted in various fields (civil procedure, intellectual property, companies), was not organised or even clearly identified as such by the European legislator until a proposal for a regulation on a Common European Sales Law in October 2011 revealed its full potential. The study, which is based on field surveys conducted using a detailed questionnaire, identifies the strengths and weaknesses of this method and poses thought-provoking questions for the future.