1. Joint Network on European Private Law - CoPECL FP6 proposal n° 513351 Priority 7: Citizens and Governance in a Knowledge-based Society

2. The objectives of CoPECL: Delivery of a “Common Frame of Reference” Overcoming Research Fragmentation in the European Research Area Guidance to Legislators, Legal Practice and Academics Durable Research Integration and Dissemination of Knowledge

3. Delivery of a “Common Frame of Reference” The Network will deliver a proposal for the “Common Frame of Reference” for European contract law as described in the Commission’s Action Plan (COM [2003] 68 final). The proposal will be presented in the form of principles (“Common Principles of European Contract Law” = CoPECL), including definitions, general concepts and legal rules. They will be supplemented by comments, comparative notes and by evaluative analysis. The CoPECL will be published in as many languages as possible. At the same time, a database will facilitate the access to the relevant legal sources. The researchers will take into account, on the one hand, national laws, including case-law of national courts and established contractual practice. On the other hand, they will consider the existing EC acquis and relevant international instruments. During the whole process of research, practitioners will be involved in order to ensure that the results meet their needs.

4. Overcoming Research Fragmentation in the European Research Area The European research landscape is currently fragmented into different international groups which carry out their research independently. The Network will overcome this fragmentation by integrating these groups in order to pursue the common objective of developing the CoPECL as a proposal for a Common Frame of Reference.

5. Guidance to Legislators, Legal Practice and Academics The CoPECL will benefit legislators, legal practitioners and academics. They will especially smooth the planned revision of the acquis communautaire and will secure more coherency of future EC legislation. Furthermore the CoPECL may inspire further reflection on an optional new Community instrument.

6. Durable Research Integration and Dissemination of Knowledge The Network will not only lead to a functional co- operation of leading European research groups; it will furthermore create the framework for continuing and durable research integration in the field of European contract law and thus be a big step towards a real European Research Area. The findings of the Network will be continuously made public in the process of preparing the CoPECL. Hence, the Network will improve the dissemination of knowledge to all interested parties in the field of European Contract Law.