Metamorphosis? Article 47 EUCFR in UCTD cases

In the latest issue of the Journal of European Consumer and Market Law (EuCML), an article has been published by Anna van Duin on the role of Article 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in cases concerning national remedies and procedures under the Unfair Contract Terms Directive. The paper has been selected as one of the three Best Publications by Young Researchers at the Law Faculty of the University of Amsterdam in 2016-2017.

The tale of Article 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights appears to be one of transformation and seduction. While the importance of the right to effective judicial protection is widely acknowledged, there is confusion and even controversy about its actual implications for national civil courts. This article revolves around the question how and why Article 47 may be referred to in European private law adjudication. It aims to shed light on the main characteristics and constraints of Article 47 by analysing the case law of the CJEU concerning national remedies and procedures under Directive 93/13/EEC. Four key judgments of the CJEU are discussed. So far, the CJEU seems reluctant to accept the potential of Article 47 Charter as a weighty source for interpreting national law, let alone for setting it aside or filling gaps in the enforcement and protection of EU rights at the national level. Yet Article 47 could shift the focus from the effective enforcement of EU law towards individual rights protection. As such, it may provide a valuable instrument for national civil courts in cases covering (aspects of) EU law.

A proof-version of the paper can be found here. For citation and research purposes, please refer to the final version published in EuCML.