Introduction. Party Autonomy in (International) Property Law: What is going on?

The central question being dealt with in this book is to what extent party autonomy or, more specifically, choice of law is allowed in matters of international property law. This question is becoming more appealing due to the growing significance and intensification of international trade during the last two decades. Therefore the classic situs rule is being challenged. The essays are grouped into four central themes: (i) general aspects of party autonomy, as seen from the perspective of continental law as well as of common law; (ii) private international (property) law; (iii) developments and prospects in Europe and in European law projects; (iv) assignment in private international law, financial instruments/the Collateral Directive, insolvency law. The issue of harmonization of conflict of laws rules in matters of international property law is a point of special interest in this book.