The European Union Perspective in Civil Law Matters: From Directives to Regulations

Sanja Savčić

doi:10.55073/2025.1.127-143

Authors

Sanja Savčić Full Professor, Department of Civil Law, Faculty of Law, University of Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1160-5860

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55073/2025.1.127-143

Keywords:

legal tradition, civil law codes, unification, harmonisation, directive, regulation

Abstract

This study focuses on the extent to which traditional legal systems have been changed within the EU, considering that issues of civil law were initially regulated by directives and later by regulations. The study discusses a few points of private law to understand its position within the EU. First, there is a basic division of law into public and private law. Second, it is necessary to outline the importance of a long legal tradition among Member States of the EU. This helps to understand the EU competence in private law. Finally, this study examines the trend of adopting regulations in civil law matters, which is uncommon in this area and assesses whether there is a genuine need for the removal of legislative attention. The study concludes with proposals and conclusions about the issue.

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