The European litigation, arbitration and investigations landscape is being reshaped by a series of interlocking developments that will materially affect how corporates manage litigation and regulatory risk in 2026.
Disputes and Investigations in Europe (2026) – Prepare for the Unexpected is a practical guide providing concise commentary on key EU litigation and enforcement trends. It connects EU level analysis with jurisdiction specific developments in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
In our latest publication, we examine the core developments that will define the strategic agenda, including:
- A new era for collective litigation: The transposition of the Representative Actions Directive, supported by an expanding third-party litigation funding market, is transforming the landscape for mass claims.
- The intensification of ESG litigation: A growing focus on climate accountability and greenwashing is creating new reputational and legal challenges for organisations across all sectors.
- Evolving liability and technology risks: A reformed Product Liability Directive and emerging claims related to AI-harm are creating a more complex risk environment for businesses.
- The continued momentum in competition litigation: Private enforcement and damages claims continue to gain traction, pursued through increasingly sophisticated procedural mechanisms.
- A more robust enforcement framework: A strengthened EU-wide approach to financial crime and corporate accountability is leading to more unified standards and coordinated enforcement.
Explore our guide for in-depth analysis of how these developments are set to emerge, and how your business can prepare for the path ahead.
For further information, please contact:
Alessandro Villani, Partner, Linklaters
alessandro.villani@linklaters.com
