Syllabus: European Private International Law

Jean Monnet Module – EuPrilaw
Academic Years: 2022/2023, 2023/2024, 2024/2025
Language of instruction: English
ECTS: 8
Coordinator: Prof. Ana Fernández Pérez, University of Alcalá

1. Course Description

A comprehensive analysis of private international law within the EU, exploring jurisdiction, applicable law, and recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. The course centres on EU regulations (Brussels I bis, Rome I & II) and Hague instruments, balanced between theoretical foundations and practical case-based learning.

2. Learning Outcomes

Students will acquire abilities to:

Master terminology and concepts of EU Private International Law.
Apply Brussels I bis, Rome I & II in real-case scenarios.
Evaluate cross-border legal issues in family, contractual, and tort contexts.
Interpret EU PIL in conjunction with Hague Conventions.
Argue and present legal reasoning in English, with a comparative perspective.

3. Module Breakdown

Week(s)	Topics Covered
1–2	Introduction to EU PIL and historical development
3–5	Jurisdiction: Brussels I bis Regulation
6–8	Applicable Law – Contracts: Rome I Regulation
9–11	Applicable Law – Non-contractual Obligations: Rome II Regulation
12–13	EU regulations & Hague Conventions in Family & Succession
14	Recognition and Enforcement under Brussels regime
15–16	Interface between EU PIL and non‑EU legal systems
17	Emerging challenges: digital economy, migration, and human rights
18–19	Moot court simulation / Practical workshops
20	Final review & exam preparation

4. Teaching & Learning Methodology

Lectures: Theory and regulatory framework
Seminars: Discussion of landmark cases and practical problems
Group work: Role-playing and moot simulations
Independent study: Regulation and case law analysis via Moodle

5. Assessment Scheme

Participation & continuous assessment: 25%
Practical exam: 35%
Theorical exam: 40%

6. Learning Resources

Mandatory Texts:

EU Regulations: Brussels I bis, Rome I & II (available on Moodle)
ADR articles and selected PIL case law (distributed in class)

Recommended Reading:

Fernández Rozas & Sánchez Lorenzo, European Private International Law

Syllabus PIL 2022/2023