This compendium provides an introduction to the intricate interplay of fundamental rights and private law. It identifies areas of commercial and civil law where fundamental rights from different sources play a key role in the interpretation and application of private law rules. In addition, it offers a collection of case law examples from across the EU which illustrate differences and commonalities regarding the influence of fundamental rights on civil and commercial litigation. It is thus well suited for the training of judges and as a source of inspiration for national legislators. Contributors to the study co-ordinated by the European Legal Studies Institute at University of Osnabrück with the support of the European Commission’s "Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme" include high ranking judges as well as young researchers from across the EU."As the Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, I can only praise the pertinent purpose and the methodology of the compendium which underlines the concrete approach the authors adopted."Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission