There can be no doubt that both substantive family and succession law
engage in significant interaction with private international law, and,
in particular, the European Union instruments in the field. While it is
to be expected that substantive law heavily influences private
international law instruments, it is increasingly evident that this
influence can also be exerted in the reverse direction. Given that the
European Union has no legislative competence in the fields of family and
succession law beyond cross-border issues, this influence is indirect
and, as a consequence of this indirect nature, difficult to trace.This
book brings together a range of views on the reciprocal influences of
substantive and private international law in the fields of family and
succession law. It outlines some key elements of this interplay in
selected jurisdictions and provides a basis for discussion and future
work on the reciprocal influences of domestic and European law. It is
essential that the choices for and within certain European instruments
are made consciously and knowingly. This book therefore aims to raise
awareness that these reciprocal influences exist, to stimulate academic
debate and to facilitate a more open debate between European
institutions and national stakeholders.