Thus, the ELI contributes to SDG 16 which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions, and helps promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.

To accomplish its tasks, ELI operates on its own initiative. It is also, however, available for consultation by institutions involved in the development of law on a European, international or national level. The Institute brings together not only scholars, but also practitioners and judges from the whole of Europe.

One participating scholar is associate professor Marie Jull Sørensen from the Department of Law, Aalborg University. Marie has been working with a group of international researchers within the ELI on a tool for regulating digital intermediary platforms (e.g. DBA and Airbnb) (‘Model rules on online platforms’) and is currently reporter on another ELI project concerning algorithmic contracts which will evaluate primarily current consumer protection in the light of the new contractual developments and suggest new legislation where needed.   

Marie Jull Sørensen enthusiastically describes her work with ELI: “ELI is a playground for legal scholars. No idea is too wild and everything can be discussed. At the same time, the aim is always to present an output of our work to inspire the EU and the Member States in dealing with new or/and challenging legal areas”

Members and external experts are invited to propose projects on which the Institute should work, to comment on projects as they develop and to take part in the ELI General Assembly, an annual event convening many legal professionals from all over Europe and beyond.

Any project carried out under the auspices of the ELI must be at the service of the European citizen

ELI projects cover all branches of the law: substantive and procedural; private and public. responding to a manifest practical need and aiming at results that potentially have immediate practical impact. ELI’s projects need to be approved by a broad constituency of jurists who work independently and without regard to the interests of particular stakeholders or constraints of a political nature.

The project activities lead to publications which are usable directly by legislative bodies, judiciaries or other interested parties. The ELI’s publications mainly seek to improve knowledge and practice in the respective field of law and at the same time raise awareness among members of the legal community of the most pressing issues in law. Although its work is mostly addressed at the European legislator and the judiciary, the main beneficiaries of ELI’s work are ultimately the general public, legal and natural persons of Europe, who will benefit from improved and more coherent laws.