Schmitz’s Choice of Law for Consumer Contracts in Theory and Practice: Online Book Launch

Benedikt Schmitz (University of Groningen)’s new monograph “Choice of Law for Consumer Contracts in Theory and Practice” has been published by Edward Elgar Publishing. Building upon Benedikt Schmitz’s doctoral studies at the University of Groningen, this book is an essential reference for both practitioners and academics.

On 4 November 2026, a virtual book launch will take place online, from 15:00 to 17:00 CET. The event is hosted by the WEAKER PIL research line.

The event will examine cross-border consumer protection and the complex conflict-of-laws frameworks regulating the global surge in online shopping. Panelists will discuss many aspects of Article 6 Rome I Regulation, including the historical dimensions of consumer protection in applicable law, the targeting test and consumer definition, the restriction to party autonomy, its ex officio application, and the US American approach to cross-border consumer contracts.

Readers of this blog can purchase the book with a 50% discount, using the discount code ROME50 on the official Edward Elgar website.

Please register by clicking this link. You will then receive an invitation to join the video conferencing environment two days before the event.

For information: b.schmitz@rug.nl.

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Programme of the virtual book launch

15:00 – 15:05 | WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS

Dr. Benedikt Schmitz, Assistant Professor of Private International Law and Comparative Contract Law, University of Groningen

15:05 – 16:10 | SESSION I: FOUNDATIONS & CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS

The History of Consumer Protection in Private International Law – Speaker: Prof. Dr. Beatriz Añoveros Terradas, Professor of Private International Law, University of Barcelona

The Definition of Consumers and the Targeting Test – Speaker: Prof. Dr. Elisabetta Bergamini, Full Professor of European Union Law and Private International Law, University of Udine

The Restriction to Party Autonomy – Speaker: Dr. Benedikt Schmitz, Assistant Professor of Private International Law and Comparative Contract Law, University of Groningen

Audience Q&A

16:10 – 16:55 | SESSION II: ENFORCEMENT & GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

The Ex Officio Application of EU Private International Law- Speaker: Prof. Dr. Jerca Kramberger Škerl, Professor of Private International Law, University of Ljubljana

Consumer PIL in the United States – Speaker: Prof. Stephen Ware, J.D., Frank Edwards Tyler Distinguished Professor of Law, University of Kansas

Audience Q&A

16:55 – 17:00 | CONCLUDING REMARKS

Final takeaways and closing of the event.