Class actions in Europe. Not so long ago, the statement was considered an oxymoron.
Today, however, class actions in Europe are growing, and at least some policy-makers find them useful and desirable as a means for securing human rights. As a result, the American Bar Association is sponsoring a an EU Class Action Conference in Brussels on November 12 and 13. The description is set out below from the ABA web site:
"Increasing Access to Justice through EU Class Actions: A Conference for Litigators&Policy Makers
Begins: Nov 12, 2012 08:00 AM
Ends: Nov 13, 2012 02:00 PM
This conference will bring together members of the global legal community for one and a half days of programming presented by ABA International Law Section, including social and networking opportunities and informative, substantive programs presented by world-class experts. This practical, interactive one and a half day conference will have two separate tracks to discuss whether class actions bring increased access to justice for European citizens concerned about financial harm, competition, consumer protection, human rights, environmental damage, employment discrimination, and other common claims. In Eurobarometer surveys, Europeans overwhelmingly say they would prefer to join with others in judicial collective redress. Seventeen Member States already have collective redress, the rest do not, and the Commission is considering a uniform mechanism for the E.U. This conference will examine both sides of the lively debate.
Topics for the conference will include:
Class actions, especially as they relate to enforcement of basic human rights
Opt-In vs. Opt-Out Mechanisms in Class Actions
Collective Redress as it applies to the EU and US
Access to Justice as a Human Right"
This program will also offer a unique forum for international lawyers to expand their networking activities and meet colleagues from all over the world and is graciously being hosted by the European Parliament in Brussels. We look forward to seeing you there