HIGHLIGHTS

On June 6-7, 2024, an illustrious assembly of legal minds and institutions convened in Hamburg to celebrate a momentous dual anniversary: the 40th anniversary of the German-Greek Lawyers’ Association (DGJV) and the 30th birthday of the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts (UPICC). This prestigious event, titled “Unifying the Commercial World,” was a collaborative effort of the DGJV, the University of Hamburg, the Chamber of Commerce of Hamburg, and the Bucerius Law School, with significant contributions from UNIDROIT, the Union International des Avocats (UIA), and the Inter-Pacific Bar Association.

Day 1: The UNIDROIT Principles in Arbitration

The first day of the conference was hosted by the Bucerius Law School and was dedicated to exploring the application of the UNIDROIT Principles in arbitration. The day commenced with a series of enlightening presentations aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the Principles.

Keynote Contributions

The initial session featured contributions from eminent scholars:

- Professor Dr. Christiana Fountoulakis

- Professor Dr. Antje Baumann

- Dean Professor Petra Butler

These presentations set the stage for an in-depth panel discussion moderated by Ms. Johanna Wirth. The panel included:

- Professor Dr. Ziya Akinci

- Stefanie Efstathiou

- Johan Saidi Nyanje LL.M.

- Professor Dr. Gerhard Wegen

The discussions revolved around the various options available to arbitrators and counsels under the UNIDROIT Principles. Professor Dr. Eckhart Brödermann provided insightful conclusions, emphasizing the flexibility and utility of the Principles in arbitration settings.

UNIDROIT's Perspective

A highlight of the day was the presentation by UNIDROIT Deputy Secretary-General, Professor Dr. Anna Veneziano, who shared UNIDROIT’s perspective on the Principles’ use in arbitration. Her remarks provided valuable insights into the practical applications and benefits of the UNIDROIT Principles, setting a forward-looking tone for the proceedings.

Closing Remarks

The day's sessions concluded with closing remarks from Professor Dr Stefan Kröll of Bucerius Law School, who encapsulated the key takeaways and reinforced the significance of the Principles in international commercial arbitration.

Day 2: Celebrating the DGJV and the UNIDROIT Principles as Substantive Law

The second day marked the 40th anniversary of the DGJV and shifted focus to the substantive role of the UNIDROIT Principles and their importance in the rule of law. The day began with welcoming remarks from various co-hosts and organizers, including representatives from the DGJV, the Chamber of Commerce of Hamburg, the City of Hamburg, the Hanseatic Appellate Court, and the Consulate of the Hellenic Republic in Hamburg.

Special German-Greek Relationship

The morning sessions featured a panel discussion on the “Special German-Greek Relationship,” moderated by Professor Dr. H.c. Jorn Axel Kammerer. This discussion highlighted the enduring and unique legal and cultural ties between Germany and Greece.

Spotlight on the UPICC

Professor Anna Veneziano once again took the stage, opening the program on the UPICC with remarks commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Principles. This was followed by an essential overview and trends analysis provided by Professor Dr. Eckhart Brödermann.

Practical Applications

A subsequent panel, moderated by Dean Professor Petra Butler, focused on the practical applications of the UPICC in daily contract practice. Contributors to this panel included:

- Florian Bauer

- Justice Muhammed Farrukh Irfan Khan

- Dawid Kowalkowski

- Julija Schadrina

- Dr. Michal Roszak

These discussions underscored the relevance and applicability of the Principles in contemporary contract law.

Roundtable Discussions

The afternoon sessions were dedicated to 17 roundtable discussions, each addressing a specific aspect of the UPICC:

1. Good Faith and Fair Dealing
2. Formation of Contract
3. Authority of Agents
4. Impossibility, Grounds for Avoidance, and Validity
5. Mandatory Law and Illegality
6. Interpretation
7. Content of Contracts
8. Third Party Rights
9. Performance
10. Force Majeure and Hardship
11. Non-Performance, Exemption Clauses
12. Right to Performance of Monetary and Non-Monetary Obligations, Repair and Replacement
13. Termination, Restitution
14. Set-off
15. Assignment
16. Limitation Periods
17. Plurality of Obligors and Obligees

These roundtables facilitated in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing among participants, moderated by Dean Petra Butler, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of each topic.

Conclusion

The conference concluded with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the future. The event not only celebrated significant milestones but also reinforced the importance of international cooperation and the continuous evolution of commercial law. The DGJV and the UNIDROIT Principles have both made remarkable contributions to the legal world, and their anniversaries provided a perfect opportunity to reflect on past achievements and look forward to future developments in international commercial law.