International contracts and European law
European law forms an important part of Dutch law. Much national legislation is based on EU directives and regulations. Private international law also plays a central role in cross-border disputes and international agreements.
We advise clients on:
- international commercial contracts
- the law applicable to international agreements
- international liability issues
- cross-border disputes
- European corporate law
- international debt recovery and insolvency issues
Our lawyers have experience with legislation, regulations and conventions including:
- the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG)
- the Rome I Regulation
- the Rome II Regulation
- the European Insolvency Regulation
International network of legal specialists
Where legal support is required outside the Netherlands, we work with an international network of specialised legal partners. This enables us to assist clients in international proceedings and foreign legal matters.
We provide strategic advice on international risks, contractual arrangements and the most effective legal approach to cross-border issues.
Practical legal advice for international business
International co-operation brings legal challenges, including differences in national legislation, international contract terms and disputes between parties in different jurisdictions.
Poelman c.s. provides practical legal advice aligned with the realities of international business. Our approach is clear, responsive and focused on workable solutions.
The Rome I Regulation determines the law applicable to contractual obligations in civil and commercial matters. Parties may generally choose the governing law. In the absence of a valid choice, the applicable law is determined by the Regulation’s conflict-of-law rules, often by reference to the characteristic performance.
Would you like to discuss how Poelman c.s. can assist your business? Please contact us to arrange an introductory meeting.
The Rome II Regulation determines the law applicable to non-contractual obligations, including tort claims. As a general rule, the applicable law is the law of the country in which the damage occurs, subject to specific exceptions.
Would you like to discuss how Poelman c.s. can assist your business? Please contact us to arrange an introductory meeting.
Within the European Union, creditors may be able to rely on instruments such as the European Payment Order procedure and the European Small Claims Procedure. These procedures are designed to facilitate standardised cross-border recovery without separate exequatur proceedings.
Would you like to discuss how Poelman c.s. can assist your business? Please contact us to arrange an introductory meeting.
Key risks include differences in liability regimes, intellectual property protection, non-compete restrictions and insolvency protection. Carefully drafted private international law clauses, including governing law and jurisdiction provisions, reduce the risk of disputes.
Would you like to discuss how Poelman c.s. can assist your business? Please contact us to arrange an introductory meeting.



