Second NEOLAiA Law Conference: Judicial Determination of Foreign Law under EU Private International Law

On 28–29 May 2026, our Research Associate, Nicoletta Zacharopoulos, participated in the Second NEOLAiA Law Conference, held in Tours, France, where she presented our paper entitled ‘Judicial Determination of Foreign Law under EU Private International Law: Procedural Obligations, Evidentiary Limits, and Standards of Review’.

Presented within the International and Human Rights Law Workshop, the paper examined the challenges associated with the judicial determination of foreign law under EU private international law. It explored the procedural silence of the Rome I and Rome II Regulations regarding the ascertainment of foreign law and considered the implications of divergent national approaches across Member States.

The presentation further addressed the relationship between procedural autonomy and the principles of effectiveness, mutual trust, legal certainty, and effective judicial protection. Particular attention was given to questions concerning judicial investigation, expert evidence, and standards of appellate review, as well as the extent to which these principles may imply minimum procedural safeguards in the determination of foreign law.

The conference brought together scholars, researchers, and academics from across the nine countries of the NEOLAiA alliance to explore the overarching theme of ‘The Interpretation of Law in a Changing World’. Through plenary sessions and specialised workshops, participants engaged in discussions on contemporary legal challenges and emerging developments across a wide range of legal disciplines.

The event provided a valuable opportunity to present ongoing research, exchange ideas with colleagues from diverse legal traditions, and contribute to international academic dialogue. We are grateful to the organisers and participants for a stimulating and rewarding conference and for the insightful discussions throughout the event.