Fundamental Rights and Contractual Justice: Cultural-Legal Interactions

This analysis reveals the contribution of fundamental rights to the restoration of contractual balance. The judicial illustrations presented show the difficulties raised by reconciling contractual freedom with the fundamental rights enshrined by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the triumph of fundamental freedoms over the binding force of the contract. The impact of the ECHR in contractual matters results from the horizontal effect granted to the text, meaning its applicability in inter-individual relations. By providing clarity and strength to fundamental rights, the alliance of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union thus ensures protection and legal certainty within the EU. The developments in European contract law suggest a pluralistic notion of contract in European private law based not only on the will of the parties but also on good faith and legitimate expectations. Indeed, the assessment and restoration of contractual balance concerning the provisions of the ECHR speak of a renewed paradigm of contract in European private law.