Webinar – 2020 Online ELI Annual Conference 8–11 September 2020

Christiane Wendehorst, President
“This has been a remarkable year, and the first year since the ELI was foun
that we have not been able to meet physically – if anything, the COVID
pandemic has demonstrated the fragility of what we all tend to take
granted, and the significance of solidarity among the European States. It
truly European spirit that will ultimately carry us all through this crisis.“

Lord John Thomas, 1st Vice-President
“The epitome of ELI’s work are its diverse project teams, who take a subject, examine it and make constructive suggestions in a format that is readily accessible. In this way, ELI has made and will continue to make a huge difference to
the future of the development of law in Europe.“

Pascal Pichonnaz, 2nd Vice-President
“The increasing speed with which technology impacts everyday life in Europe
may create an urge for common regulations throughout the continent.
Thanks to the diversity of its members, the ELI can propose new and concrete
solutions for legislators in Europe, taking on board their various legal cultures
and experiences. Many current ELI projects reflect this core mission: common
frameworks grounded on diversity of experiences.“

Denis Philippe, Treasurer
“ELI is a unique forum where judges, academics and practitioners can meet
and exchange ideas on new legal developments in Europe. Practitioners also
have an excellent opportunity to participate in the development of European
law and in the dialogue between the ELI and European institutions. In this way,
ELI is uniquely able to facilitate communication between lawyers and policy
makers in Europe.“

About the European Law Institute

The law in Europe has a profound impact on the daily lives of European citizens, companies and organisations.
As an independent organisation, ELI aims to improve the quality of law, support its development and contribute to its proper implementation both on a national and European level.
At the heart of ELI’s activities are its projects, which can be either short to medium or long term: the former are usually projects that react to current developments, while the latter are proactive in nature and will often take several years of drafting. Alongside Hubs, which are national networks of ELI members, the ELI has also established Special Interest Groups (SIGs), through which it aims to scrutinise the latest, cutting-edge developments in the different fields of law. Participation in ELI activities is encouraged amongst all members, and those members wishing to play a particularly significant and decisive role in the functioning of the Institute can stand for election in the ELI Council. ELI members can also take part in various projects, either as Project Team members or as participants of Members Consultative Committees (MCCs). The ELI is proud of its diverse membership and values the variety of expertise and perspectives which it brings to the organisation.
The ELI is partly modelled on the American Law Institute (ALI), which was founded in 1923 and has since become a landmark institution in the American legal system. Like its American counterpart, the ELI aims to unite jurists of the highest standing from all branches and professions of the law. The Institute operates on its own initiative but is also open for cooperation with other institutions that share its vision. Since its foundation, the Institute has established close working relations with European institutions such as the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), international organisations such as the Council of Europe, United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), as well as organisations such as the Council of the Notariats of the European Union (CNUE), the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary (ENCJ) and the Academy of European Law (ERA).

Among the speakers Giuseppe Franco Ferrari

Programme Overview