Following the publication of the Principles of European Insurance Contract Law (PEICL) in 2009, there has been significant political and academic discussion on their possible use as an optional instrument. Experts'' views on this topic were exchanged at a conference held in Vienna in January 2010. The distinguished speakers represented European politics, legal science, insurance industry, insurance intermediaries and consumers. These independent experts, who were not involved in drafting the PEICL, presented their critical, unbiased opinions on the project.

This volume presents the proceedings of the Vienna conference. It also includes a postscript in commemoration of the late Professor Dr. Fritz Reichert-Facilides, whose visionary ideas led to the creation of the Project Group "Restatement of European Insurance Contract Law" and to the drafting of the PEICL.

Following the publication of the Principles of European Insurance Contract Law (PEICL) in 2009, there has been significant political and academic discussion on their possible use as an optional instrument. Experts'' views on this topic were exchanged at a conference held in Vienna in January 2010. The distinguished speakers represented European politics, legal science, insurance industry, insurance intermediaries and consumers. These independent experts, who were not involved in drafting the PEICL, presented their critical, unbiased opinions on the project.

This volume presents the proceedings of the Vienna conference. It also includes a postscript in commemoration of the late Professor Dr. Fritz Reichert-Facilides, whose visionary ideas led to the creation of the Project Group "Restatement of European Insurance Contract Law" and to the drafting of the PEICL.

Following the publication of the Principles of European Insurance Contract Law (PEICL) in 2009, there has been significant political and academic discussion on their possible use as an optional instrument. Experts'' views on this topic were exchanged at a conference held in Vienna in January 2010. The distinguished speakers represented European politics, legal science, insurance industry, insurance intermediaries and consumers. These independent experts, who were not involved in drafting the PEICL, presented their critical, unbiased opinions on the project.

This volume presents the proceedings of the Vienna conference. It also includes a postscript in commemoration of the late Professor Dr. Fritz Reichert-Facilides, whose visionary ideas led to the creation of the Project Group "Restatement of European Insurance Contract Law" and to the drafting of the PEICL.