Online behavioral advertising (OBA) is a form of advertising that relies on data about users’ behavior (e.g., clicks, likes, voice commands) and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to place ads that... Show moreOnline behavioral advertising (OBA) is a form of advertising that relies on data about users’ behavior (e.g., clicks, likes, voice commands) and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to place ads that users may be interested in. Ads that AI chooses to display often leave users in awe and concern them about the potential of total surveillance. People using these services have (legitimate) expectations that tech companies or democratic institutions protect their interests. Indeed, the European Union (EU) heavily regulates OBA, requiring, for example, that companies have users’ consent before their surveillance. Yet, these ads monetize most “free” online services and turn companies like Alphabet and Meta into the world’s wealthiest. Therefore, the industry is incentivized to acquire consumers’ consent by any means necessary, often through manipulation. As almost everyone has encountered manipulative “cookie banners” online, many have started to doubt if EU law can effectively protect consumers from the growing power of the tech industry. This thesis builds a framework of manipulation, describes consumer manipulation via OBA, constructs a theory of the harms of this phenomenon, and analyses its boundaries in the EU legal framework. The thesis concludes that the EU framework can effectively safeguard consumers, anticipating that the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) will put an end to consumer manipulation (and exploitation) via OBA. Show less
This dissertation explores the impact of international cultural heritage law on individuals and local communities, particularly through the lens of cultural heritage law's use of universalising... Show moreThis dissertation explores the impact of international cultural heritage law on individuals and local communities, particularly through the lens of cultural heritage law's use of universalising language such as the ‘cultural heritage of mankind’. It argues that this rhetoric empowers states to prioritise purportedly common interests over local ones, potentially erasing living heritage value in the process. The dissertation places cultural heritage law in the context of broader international legal trends, in particular the tension between the pursuit of common interests through international law and the enduring influence of state sovereignty as a structuring principle of that law. It argues that contemporary cultural heritage law often fails to effectively limit state powers or protect the interests of individuals and local communities. It thus calls for stronger guarantees of participation within cultural heritage law, drawing upon legal standards developed within environmental law and human rights law. The dissertation suggests a rethinking the concept of ‘universal interest’ in heritage law to qualify the operation of state sovereignty and to better accommodate the interests of individuals and local communities, emphasizing their role as central actors and the need to bridge the gap between local and global interests in cultural heritage protection. Show less
In the Netherlands, the title of Minister of State is granted to a select set of senior politicians and administrators, generally towards the end of their career. They are appointed by the monarch,... Show moreIn the Netherlands, the title of Minister of State is granted to a select set of senior politicians and administrators, generally towards the end of their career. They are appointed by the monarch, acting on a proposal by the cabinet. In this capacity, they are then asked to perform certain activities or to carry out specific tasks. Both the content of the Minister of State role itself and the appointment process are quite vague. Nevertheless, this exclusive ministerial title has considerable social status. The aim of this research study is to provide insight into the title of Minister of State. The problem description is as follows: What development has taken place in the role of Minister of State; what has the legal and political significance of the Minister of State been; and what can be said about the present-day role of Minister of State, in the Netherlands and in various other countries? Chapter 2 investigates the development of the Minister of State from a historical perspective. In Chapter 3 the various appointments as Minister of State are studied for each monarch. Chapter 4 examines the present-day role of Minister of State. In Chapter 5 a comparative legal study is made of whether other countries also have a Minister of State and what parallels and differences can be seen in relation to this title in the Netherlands.Chapter 6 brings together the findings of the research study and presents the conclusions that were drawn. Show less
Corporate taxation has become an important topic of public debate and corporate tax planning has met with strong societal criticism. In response to these societal concerns, the Organization for... Show moreCorporate taxation has become an important topic of public debate and corporate tax planning has met with strong societal criticism. In response to these societal concerns, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) launched the OECD/G20 BEPS project. In light of these developments, research on the professional practice of corporate tax planning has become more relevant. In this book, the author investigates tax professionals’ reactions to changing societal expectations of corporate tax planning. Taking a qualitative approach, the responses of different types of tax professionals of the Dutch corporate tax field were examined. Particular attention was paid to the manner in which tax professionals understand corporate tax planning and the public discussion, to what degree societal norms influence the professional practice of corporate taxation, and to what degree tax professionals have altered their role perceptions in response to public concerns of corporate tax planning. Show less
Ten years ago, the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) was created, centralizing European banking supervision. In the SSM, the European Central Bank (ECB) cooperates closely with the National... Show moreTen years ago, the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) was created, centralizing European banking supervision. In the SSM, the European Central Bank (ECB) cooperates closely with the National Competent Authorities (NCAs). The unprecedented degree of integration between NCAs and the ECB leads to supervision often being a joint exercise. SSM composite procedures are a specific type of such a joint exercise.Composite procedures culminate in a final ECB or NCA decision, yet are based on input from both. This integrated decision-making forms a paradox with the European system of judicial protection, which to an important extent remains to be organised dualistically. In short, national courts still review only national acts while the EU Courts, in principle, review only EU acts.This paradox raises concerns regarding effective judicial protection. This dissertation aims to investigate whether the EU principle of effective judicial protection is currently safeguarded within the SSM, particularly where it concerns composite procedures. It examines both the action for annulment and the action for damages, addressing the interplay between the EU and Dutch national legal framework. It is concluded that effective judicial protection is not always achieved. The dissertation therefore proposes several recommendations aimed at enhancing effective judicial protection within SSM composite procedures. Show less
Zorgverzekeraars sluiten ten behoeve van ruim driekwart van hun verzekerden zorginkoopovereenkomsten met zorgaanbieders over de aan verzekerden te verlenen zorg. Onder de invloed van marktdenken is... Show moreZorgverzekeraars sluiten ten behoeve van ruim driekwart van hun verzekerden zorginkoopovereenkomsten met zorgaanbieders over de aan verzekerden te verlenen zorg. Onder de invloed van marktdenken is de contractsvrijheid in de zorginkoopverhouding stapsgewijs vergroot, zodat zorgverzekeraars de rol van ‘doelmatige, klantgerichte regisseurs van zorg’ kunnen vervullen. De overheid bepaalt in een nog altijd omvangrijk regelgevend kader de randvoorwaarden voor de werking van het zorgverzekeringsstelsel en houdt toezicht.De rechten en verplichtingen van zorgverzekeraars en zorgaanbieders in dit gemengde publiek-privaatrechtelijke kader zijn het onderwerp van dit proefschrift. De zorginkoopovereenkomst wordt civielrechtelijk geduid, op zichzelf en in verhouding tot de zorgverzekering en de geneeskundige behandelingsovereenkomst. Het proefschrift biedt een analyse van de doorwerking van regelgeving, zoals de Zorgverzekeringswet en de Wet marktordening gezondheidszorg, de daarop gebaseerde lagere regelgeving en de uitoefening van de bevoegdheden van de Nederlandse Zorgautoriteit bij aanmerkelijke marktmacht in de (pre-)contractuele verhouding. Getoetst wordt of zorgverzekeraars aanbestedende diensten zijn. De hoedanigheid van de zorgverzekeraar wordt gekenschetst en onderzocht wordt welke invloed in de rechtspraak aan die hoedanigheid en de betrokkenheid van publieke belangen wordt toegekend en welke invloed daaraan zou moeten worden toegekend. Show less
In landen met een ‘common law’ rechtssysteem wordt het woord ‘trust’ in de juridische zin gebruikt om te verwijzen naar de rechtsfiguur trust. De trust is gebaseerd op vertrouwen en is één van de... Show moreIn landen met een ‘common law’ rechtssysteem wordt het woord ‘trust’ in de juridische zin gebruikt om te verwijzen naar de rechtsfiguur trust. De trust is gebaseerd op vertrouwen en is één van de meest toegepaste rechtsfiguren in de internationale financiering- en estate planningspraktijk. Een insteller, de settlor, vertrouwt goederen toe aan een trustee, die vervolgens deze beheert ten behoeve van één of meer beneficiaries, of ter verwezenlijking van een bepaald doel. De trust wordt onder meer gebruikt om familievermogen te beschermen en aan de volgende generatie over te dragen, risicovol beleggen te faciliteren, ondernemingsvermogen veilig te stellen of het beheren van pensioengelden.De trust komt soms negatief in het nieuws, in verband met belastingontduiking en belastingontduiking. Niet geheel terecht, omdat in de ‘common law’ landen evenals in Nederland, anti-misbruikinstrumenten worden ingezet ter bestrijding van belastingontwijking en belastingduiking via vennootschappen en trusts. Deze negatieve connotatie is te wijten aan de vele misvattingen over juridische structuur van de trust in landen met een continentaal rechtssysteem zoals Nederland. Door deze misvattingen – in de politiek en de rechtsliteratuur – is de trust nimmer in het Nederlandse recht ingevoerd. Immers, onbekend maakt onbemind.Dit onderzoek behelst een rechtsvergelijkend onderzoek naar de Anglo-Amerikaanse trust, de Curaçaose trust en de introductie van de trust in het Nederlandse recht. Daarbij worden aan de hand van onder andere het Anglo-Amerikaanse trustrecht concrete oplossingen voor de rechtspraktijk gepresenteerd voor zowel de reparatie van de Curaçaose trustwetgeving als de wijze waarop de trust in het Nederlandse recht kan worden ingevoerd. Show less
The right to be protected against discrimination, which is enshrined in international and national human rights catalogues, pertains to us all as individuals. And this fits the ambition of the... Show moreThe right to be protected against discrimination, which is enshrined in international and national human rights catalogues, pertains to us all as individuals. And this fits the ambition of the modern human rights discourse to protect everyone against the power of public institutions as well as private persons and groups. But in many liberal democracies there are often only some groups protected against discrimination and merely in certain situations. This entails both legal-theoretical and practical dilemmas. In the first place because such provisions transgress the boundaries of legitimate state conduct as provided by our rights. But also because many people who need protection against discrimination will lack it. In addition, there is the risk that old stigmas are enforced or new one’s created. Moreover, such a course of action suggests a hierarchy of suffering wherein the suffering of some has priority over that of others. Last but not least, group-based protection against discrimination might engender a struggle within and between groups for the available assistance. On account of the foregoing, one may recommend that the Dutch hate speech ban, quota laws, and institutional opinions that speak out against discrimination – which are currently group-based – can benefit from a more general approach. Show less
A franchise relationship is usually an asymmetrical relationship because a franchisor exclusively possesses essential information about the franchisor and the franchise system and holds superior... Show moreA franchise relationship is usually an asymmetrical relationship because a franchisor exclusively possesses essential information about the franchisor and the franchise system and holds superior bargaining power over a franchisee. Accordingly, a franchisee is susceptible to franchisor opportunism that could inflict financial loss to the franchisee. This book aims to propose guidelines for formulating private law rules in comprehensive franchise legislation to protect a franchisee against the franchisor’s unfair conduct. This book compares the franchise legal framework of the European Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR), the United States of America (USA), and Australia. The main conclusions of the comparative study are as follows. First, comprehensive franchise law should contain rules requiring a franchisor to provide a prospective franchisee with complete, current, and accurate pre-contractual information. Second, the law should contain rules regulating the franchisor’s encroaching conduct and the franchisor’s duty to provide the franchisee with initial and ongoing assistance. Third, the law should contain rules regulating the franchisor’s unfair conduct concerning transfer, non-renewal, and termination of a franchise contract. Fourth, the law should establish a remedial system that provides an aggrieved franchisee with mechanisms to compel the franchisor’s performance of the duties, claim damages, and cancel a franchise agreement. Show less
This research identifies a model for the interpretation of a contract under Dutch law. The model answers the question of which method should be applied to interpret a contract in the contest of a... Show moreThis research identifies a model for the interpretation of a contract under Dutch law. The model answers the question of which method should be applied to interpret a contract in the contest of a specific case, considering existing legislation, case law and legal doctrine. The model indicates which method of interpretation (e.g., the objective-oriented method of interpretation) is applicable, based on a case specific selection and assessment of sources of interpretation (such as ‘the linguistic meaning of the wording’, ‘the pre-contractual phase’ or ‘trade usages’) by using contextual factors (e.g., ‘the nature of the contract’, ‘the nature and knowledge/experiences of the parties to the contract’ and ‘the manner of the formation of the contract’). A suitable method of interpretation can be identified and applied by selecting and balancing sources of interpretation in light of contextual factors. The model provides guidance on contract interpretation to parties engaged in a dispute about the meaning of the contract, and persons who need to solve such a dispute, such as judges and arbitrators. The law of evidence will also be considered. The model, as identified under Dutch law (see Chapters 2 to 5) will be evaluated and both foreign legal systems (English and French law) and transnational principles (the PECL, the DCFR and the PICC; see Chapters 6 to 8) will be considered. Show less
The study focuses on how to establish prohibited airspace over conflict zones.This study endeavors to answer the following research questions:1) What are the conditions, including legal... Show moreThe study focuses on how to establish prohibited airspace over conflict zones.This study endeavors to answer the following research questions:1) What are the conditions, including legal requirements, for establishing prohibited airspace?2) Who has jurisdiction to establish prohibited airspace?3) How can the status quo be changed with respect to prohibited airspace to enhance aviation security?The establishment of prohibited airspace concerns on the one hand, the principle of air sovereignty, agreed by governments as recognized in Article 1 Chicago Convention, and on the other hand, the object of agreeing on this principle to “develop international civil aviation in a safe and orderly manner”.Threads running through the chapters are the themes of sovereignty, jurisdiction, and territory. Show less
The right to free movement and the mobility of people as guaranteed by the Schengen Agreement have given rise to challenges regarding transnational organised crime and particularly migrant... Show moreThe right to free movement and the mobility of people as guaranteed by the Schengen Agreement have given rise to challenges regarding transnational organised crime and particularly migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Against the backdrop of processes of globalization and securitization of irregular immigration, the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime in 2000 established a strict dichotomy between migrant smuggling and human trafficking. The distinction has led to different protective frameworks provided to (worthy) victims of human trafficking versus (undeserving) objects of migrant smuggling. This research addresses this legal dichotomy and unpacks the blurred boundaries between the two phenomena. Taking Belgium, a country of transit, as a case study, the work focuses on the sensitive topic of unauthorised ‘secondary migration movements’ taking place within the Schengen Area. Relying notably on semi-structured expert interviews, this socio-legal research empirically examines the functioning of the Belgian legal approach to deal with aggravated forms of migrant smuggling which allows victims to access the protective legal status usually strictly reserved to human trafficking victims. The research shows how this unique protective approach affects the governance of transit migration in Belgium, and more generally, unveils the real-life consequences of rigid legal categories. Show less
This dissertation discusses the injunction and whether there is a claim for a preventive remedy. It explains how the injunction is regulated in Dutch law, when it can be pronounced and what the... Show moreThis dissertation discusses the injunction and whether there is a claim for a preventive remedy. It explains how the injunction is regulated in Dutch law, when it can be pronounced and what the grounds for refusal are.Using supranational law, the requirements that a remedy must meet to be effective are examined. It concludes that a remedy is effective if it can enforce substantive rights, can be deployed in a timely manner, has a deterrent function and is proportionate.Three themes are then used to examine whether the national regime is in line with those requirements. In that regard, the role and freedom of the courts, the situation where performance has become impossible, and collective actions against the government are examined.The conclusion is that the national regulation is adequate. Show less
The traditional concept of employment, which involved fixed, permanent contracts, with full time hours and security in work has gradually been replaced by a ‘neoliberal’ model of employment that... Show moreThe traditional concept of employment, which involved fixed, permanent contracts, with full time hours and security in work has gradually been replaced by a ‘neoliberal’ model of employment that prioritises the development of competitive labour markets through increased flexibility in work. This shift has resulted in increasing levels of ‘precarious’ work: forms on non-standard employment that places the individual in a situation where they have little security in work or power over their working situation. Examples of precarious employment include platform work, zero-hour and on-demand contracts, the repeated use of temporary/short-term contracts, and bogus/false self-employment.The European Precariat asks what level of protection is available to EU migrant workers engaged in precarious employment, who must navigate complex national migration and social security rules linked to their employment status. The thesis assesses how economic and political changes affect the constitutional and political limitations of European integration; how the legal framework applicable to precarious workers risks creating gaps in the law and excluding them from certain protections; and finally suggests how EU migrant workers engaged in precarious work can be better protected under EU law while adhering to the economic, political, and constitutional limitations of the legal system. Show less
De doelstelling van dit onderzoek is het begrip 'bevrijdend verweer' nader te definiëren, het begrip af te bakenen en structuur in het leerstuk aan te brengen. Een systematische, overzichtelijke... Show moreDe doelstelling van dit onderzoek is het begrip 'bevrijdend verweer' nader te definiëren, het begrip af te bakenen en structuur in het leerstuk aan te brengen. Een systematische, overzichtelijke ordening is hierbij leidraad. De reeds bestaande inzichten over het begrip zijn in het onderzoek verwerkt. Het boek biedt zowel verdieping als praktische toepasbaarheid; het onderzoek beoogt niet alleen de wetenschap te dienen, maar vooral ook de civiele procespraktijk. De insteek is pragmatisch; een zo efficiënt mogelijk gevoerde civiele procedure is voor de rechtspraktijk van groot belang. Aan de praktijkjurist worden instrumenten geboden om een goede analyse te kunnen maken van de stelplicht en bewijslast in een te behandelen zaak; niet alleen aan verweerder ingeval van een mogelijk beroep op bevrijdend verweer, maar ook aan eiser om te kunnen anticiperen op een mogelijk bevrijdend verweer. Regelmatig worden illustratieve praktijkvoorbeelden en processuele tips gegeven. De (relatief) korte (sub)paragrafen van het boek zijn zodanig opgebouwd dat het boek tevens als naslagwerk kan dienen. Het is van belang dat een praktijkjurist zijn bewijsrechtelijke positie kan bepalen op basis van de feitelijke grondslag en weet te anticiperen op de waarschijnlijke bewijslastverdeling. Een advies om al dan niet te gaan procederen of verweer te voeren wint dan aan zeggingskracht. Een goede analyse van de wederzijdse stellingen en de daaraan verbonden rechtsgevolgen is daarbij startpunt. Vooraf moet een oordeel worden gevormd over de haalbaarheid van een procedure in verband met eventuele procesrisico's. Veel gespecialiseerde praktijkjuristen opereren in bepaalde echtsgebieden en zijn zich er soms niet van bewust dat bewijsrechtelijke beslissingen samenhangen met het algemene bewijsrecht, waaronder begrepen regels inzake bevrijdende verweren. Het boek beoogt een gefundeerde toepassing in de rechtspraktijk van het bevrijdend verweer te bewerkstelligen zodat het begrip 'bevrijdend verweer' meer inhoudt dan een toverformule. Show less
The effect of directives within the area of direct taxation on tax treaties has become more and more relevant in light of the increasing overlap between situations covered by directives and tax... Show moreThe effect of directives within the area of direct taxation on tax treaties has become more and more relevant in light of the increasing overlap between situations covered by directives and tax treaties, the changing nature of obligations arising from directives, and the interpretation by the EU Court of Justice of terms in directives that are similar to terms used in tax treaties. This book contains an analysis of the effect of directives on the interpretation and application of tax treaties from the perspectives of public international law and the laws of the EU. Regarding the effect of directives on the interpretation of tax treaties, this book addresses the question whether directives qualify must be taken into account when resorting to article 3(2) OECD Model and article 31 Vienna Convention 1969 and, if so, to what extent they could affect the interpretation of a tax treaty (while taking into account the duty of conforming interpretation). Additionally, this book looks into to what extent directives could affect the application of tax treaties under the conflict rules of public international law (lex posterior, lex specialis) as well as by means of the primacy of directives under the laws of the EU Show less
This research analyses to what extent China is achieving decent work based on a case study of decent working time. The word ‘achieving’ underlines that China is still in the process of securing... Show moreThis research analyses to what extent China is achieving decent work based on a case study of decent working time. The word ‘achieving’ underlines that China is still in the process of securing this aim. This research builds on a mixed methodology of case study, historical analysis, content analysis, structured critical analysis, and comparative law. The findings show that the development goal of decent work has not been achieved in China, but there are some significant developments. Particularly, many labour standards with regard to workers’ health and safety have markedly been intensified and increased, as have the making and enforcement of Chinese labour laws, which both are signals that China has created an environment receptive to further reform and development on its path to achieving decent work. Show less
Legal professionals spend up to a third of their time doing research. During this research legal information retrieval (IR) helps users find information that is relevant for them. These legal IR... Show moreLegal professionals spend up to a third of their time doing research. During this research legal information retrieval (IR) helps users find information that is relevant for them. These legal IR systems are important because the number of legal documents published online is growing exponentially.This research addresses the question: how can bibliometrics improve common ranking algorithms in legal information retrieval?Chapter 2 focuses on the users of legal IR systems. Users were surveyed to determine whether legal practitioners (searching for themselves) and information professionals (searching for others) have the same perception of relevance. This was done by comparing the factors of relevance they consider then evaluating search results. We found no reason to distinguish between these user groups. With regards to the distinction between legal scholars and legal practitioners, it was determined in Chapter 3 that the usage and citations between scholarly and non-scholarly publications show no reason to create separate rankings users based on their affiliation.Chapter 3 regards the documents in the legal IR system. The citation and usage analysis provided the theoretical insight that citations in legal documents measure part of a broad scope of impact, or relevance, on the entire legal field. Using this information a bibliometric-enhanced ranking variable was created.There are several challenges to evaluating a live domain specific IR system. Chapter 4 deals with these challenges and why common evaluation methods in IR are not applicable. In the end, in Chapter 5, a cost based model is used for evaluation, which shows a reduction of cost for the user.Combining all this information this thesis shows that a bibliometric-enhanced ranking feature that takes into account both usage and citations (two flavors of impact relevance), and increases in influence as the reliability of the data grows (in combination with a recency feature that gives new documents the benefit of the doubt and decreases at the same rate as the bibliometric feature increases), can reduce the cost required from legal professionals (whether practitioner, scholar or legal information professional) to find the point of satisfaction in the completeness ideal/research reality trade-off. Show less
I began this book with the observation that top remuneration in the Netherlands causes commotion and social unrest. Among other things, this unrest has led to remuneration legislation, which in the... Show moreI began this book with the observation that top remuneration in the Netherlands causes commotion and social unrest. Among other things, this unrest has led to remuneration legislation, which in the eyes of some is too intrusive and encounters legal objections. Intervention in wages is certainly not new; after World War II, the Dutch government sometimes interfered intensively with wage development. There were various reasons and justifications for this, such as economic stability, control of government spending and proportional income distribution. Partly under the influence of ILO standards on collective bargaining freedom, the role of government, more specifically in the capacity of legislator, in wage setting has diminished. In the 21st century, until now, the emphasis has been on regulating top pay. The public outcry about it obviously plays a role in this, but many other reasons have been advanced to justify this government intervention. These include prudent use of public funds and reducing financial incentives through rewarding undesirable or even risky behavior. Although the context of and reasons for intervening in top pay differ from previous pay measures, the question remains whether the government, the legislature, may do so. In this dissertation, I examined where the main legal limits of legal intervention in top pay lie. To what extent can the Dutch government legally intervene in top pay? I examined two fundamental rights, being the right to property and the right to free collective bargaining, and concurrence with equivalent remuneration standards to determine these limits. Show less
