Civil

At the end of 2008, the JHA Council adopted a report on the Common Frame of Reference for European contract law (“CFR”), reiterating its April 2008 position that the CFR would be a non-binding legal instrument, shaped as a set of guidelines to be used by lawmakers at Community level, on a voluntary basis, as a common source of inspiration or reference in the lawmaking process. See:
http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/08/st15/st15306.en08.pdf
The European Commission is expected to issue a White Paper in 2009 setting out its plans, including what it is keeping of the Academic CFR, finalised in 2008. 

Desmond Browne QC reviews the state of the profession in 2009 

Don’t face a wasted costs claim. Open your eyes to the power and mechanics of litigation technology, says Chris Dale 

The European Parliament is supportive of the Commission’s 2008 proposal to extend the European Judicial Network, so as to, inter alia, open it up to the legal profession. (“EJN” http://ec.europa.eu/civiljustice/index_en.htm)