The “Brussels Effect”: A Brussels I Regulation for the World?

In the context of the annual meeting of the European Group of Private International Law (GEDIP), hosted this year by the Faculty of Law of Maastricht University, a half-day hybrid workshop titled The “Brussels Effect”: A Brussels I Regulation for the World?  will be held on 17 September 2026.

Following the European Commission’s report on the application and possible innovations of the Brussels I bis Regulation, the workshop will focus on the possible extension of the Regulation’s rules on international jurisdiction to all non-EU defendants.

The event will bring together scholars and practitioners with expertise in international civil procedure law. It will take place online on the morning of 17 September 2026 and will be held in English.

The workshop will open at 9:00 AM CET with welcome and opening remarks by Marta Pertegás Sender (Maastricht University and University of Antwerp). This will be followed by a keynote address by Johan Meeusen (University of Antwerp) on Extending Brussels I to non-EU defendants? Pro’s and Con’s, followed by remarks moderated by Leontine Bruijnen (Maastricht University and University of Antwerp).

At 10:00 AM CET, the programme will then turn to Forum selection for a non-EU court, with contributions from Fabienne Jault-Seseke (University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines), Abdel Attaïbi (Loyens & Loeff) and Michiel Rank (Loyens & Loeff). At 10:45 AM CET, after a virtual coffee and tea break, the discussion will continue with The use of “WAMCA” against a non-EU defendant: an effective means for redress?, featuring Aukje van Hoek (University of Amsterdam) and Kees de Visser (Omni Bridgeway).

At 11:15 AM CET, the following session will address Anti-SLAPP claim against a non-EU defendant, with contributions by Jerca Kramberger-Škerl (University of Ljubljana) and Birgit van Houtert (Maastricht University).

At 11:45 AM CET, the final contribution, Wrapping Up and Prospects, will be presented by Pedro de Miguel Asensio (Complutense University of Madrid).

Online participation is free of charge, but registration is required via this link.