All publications by Claire Filliatre

In today’s global economy, businesses increasingly operate across borders, entering into partnerships with counterparts on multiple continents and negotiating contracts governed by diverse legal systems. These global operations expose them to geopolitical, regulatory, and economic risks that are often difficult to predict.

When disputes arise, domestic courts rarely offer a satisfactory solution: proceedings are lengthy, cross-border service is complex, and the enforcement of judgments abroad remains uncertain.

In this context, international arbitration has emerged as a preferred method for resolving transnational commercial disputes.

In a decision published in the Bulletin on June 4, 2025, the Commercial Chamber of the Cour de Cassation (French Supreme Court) reaffirmed a fundamental principle of contract law: The determination of the price lies exclusively with the will of the parties or, where applicable, a third party designated by them – but never with the judge.

This decision highlights the importance of complying with Articles 1591 and 1592 of the French Civil Code, which respectively provide that the price must be determined and identified by the parties, or left to the determination of a third party expressly designated for that purpose.

The European regulatory landscape on sustainability is entering a new phase. Following the adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, the European Commission introduced a legislative simplification package in February 2025, known as the “Omnibus” package, aimed at adjusting the scope and timeline of these landmark legislative acts.

Stated objective: Enhancing the competitiveness of European businesses while reducing their administrative burden, particularly for SMBs. According to European Commission estimates, the proposed measures could generate €6.3 billion in savings and unlock up to €50 billion in additional investments.

Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on General Product Safety (GPSR) entered into force on December 14, 2024. This new legal framework aims to strengthen consumer protection against growing risks associated with digitalization, new technologies, and the globalization of supply chains.

It introduces new obligations for economic operators and providers of online marketplaces while clarifying market surveillance mechanisms and the powers of national authorities.

On November 13, 2024, the European Commission fined Meta €797.72 million euros for breaching European Union antitrust rules.

It found that the Tech Giant has abused its dominant positions by tying its online classified ads service Facebook Marketplace to its personal social network Facebook, and imposing unfair trading conditions on other online classified ads service providers.

On May 29, 2024, the European Commission unveiled the Artificial Intelligence Office aimed at “enabling the future development, deployment and use of AI in a way that fosters societal and economic benefits and innovation, while mitigating risks”.

This new Office will play a key role in implementing the European Artificial Intelligence Act, strengthen the development and use of safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence, and positioning the European Union as a leader in international discussions.