A civil code for Europe : Ex Pluribus Unum

Abstract

A civil code for Europe is an initiative of a group of scholars of different nationalities (Germany, Denmark, Holland, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal), in order to create a common code of rules of private law. The rights of European citizens could be strengthened by this initiative. The Steering Committee for the drafting of a European Civil Code has completed the text concerning the section on contract law, and is now attending to the drafting of the sections concerning restitution, unjustified enrichment, payment of an indebitum, special contracts, services, transfer of property and securities. The author discusses the origins of this initiative, its goals and the criticism directed against the unification of civil law in the European Union.