Editorial

Jean-Luc Soulier,  Managing Partner

The latest summit of the World Law Group, of which our firm is a member, was held in Riga at the invitation of the outstanding law firm Sorainen, which operates in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

The economic success of these three Baltic States is remarkable. Their unwavering commitment to democratic values largely explains this outstanding achievement.

The threats posed by Russia and the erosion of democratic values across much of the world prompted concerned discussions among delegates from every corner of the globe.

I grew up in a world where the fight against corruption was seen as an absolute necessity, where freedom of opinion was regarded as sacred, and where the free movement of people and goods was guaranteed by major international institutions. The OECD, the Council of Europe, the European Union, the World Trade Organization, and the International Monetary Fund were the guarantors of nearly a century of prosperity.

The temptation to turn inward, selfishness, and abdications are gaining ground everywhere. “Nationalism means war! War is not only our past; it may be our future” declared President François Mitterrand in a speech before the European Parliament in 1995. We may well be very close to that future.

Let us take inspiration from the Baltic States!

CSRD, CSDDD, and “Omnibus” package: Where does EU ESG regulation stand?

Claire Filliatre, Esq.

The European regulatory landscape on sustainability is entering a new phase. Following the adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, the European Commission introduced a legislative simplification package in February 2025, known as the “Omnibus” package, aimed at adjusting the scope and timeline of these landmark legislative acts.

Stated objective: Enhancing the competitiveness of European businesses while reducing their administrative burden, particularly for SMBs. According to European Commission estimates, the proposed measures could generate €6.3 billion in savings and unlock up to €50 billion in additional investments.

This article provides an overview of the two main pillars of the European Union’s ESG framework, and highlights the key elements of the proposed “Omnibus” package.

Court-ordered expert investigations in business litigation: Legal basis and core principles

Paul Tournier, Esq.

From world-renowned manufacturers of sophisticated machinery to modest businesses hiring a contractor to install air conditioning in their premises, any company may one day face a dispute involving complex technical issues requiring court-ordered expert investigations.

Such preparatory inquiries are, in fact, almost unavoidable in this type of litigation.

Companies must therefore understand how court-ordered expert investigations work to ensure they are conducted in a manner that respects their procedural rights.

Price determination by the parties or a third party: Contractual precautions to adopt

Claire Filliatre, Esq.

In a decision published in the Bulletin on June 4, 2025, the Commercial Chamber of the Cour de Cassation (French Supreme Court) reaffirmed a fundamental principle of contract law: The determination of the price lies exclusively with the will of the parties or, where applicable, a third party designated by them – but never with the judge.

This decision highlights the importance of complying with Articles 1591 and 1592 of the French Civil Code, which respectively provide that the price must be determined and identified by the parties, or left to the determination of a third party expressly designated for that purpose.

This article outlines the key rules governing price determination in a sales contract, in order to avoid the risk of nullity.

Soulier Avocats again recommended by the Legal 500 EMEA 2025

We are pleased to announce that, for the eighth consecutive year, our firm is recommended in the Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa rankings the “Environment” practice area.

Jean-Luc Soulier and André Soulier again recognized in The Best Lawyers in France™ 2026

We are pleased to announce that two of our partners have again been named in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in France™:

Jean-Luc Soulier, Paris, for his expertise in Litigation, and

André Soulier, Lyon, for his expertise in Litigation and Criminal Defense.

Every year, Best Lawyers recognizes the world’s top lawyers by country and practice area.

Congratulations to our teams and warmest thanks to our clients and colleagues for their trust and recognition.