Completing Europe’s
Capital Markets Union

The Case for a European Capital Markets Code

Next milestone: Draft Code expected in autumn 2026

|

Next milestone: Draft Code expected in autumn 2026 |

Project

European Capital Markets Code

The European Capital Markets Code (ECMC) is a research project dedicated to the development of a coherent and systematic framework for European capital markets law. Its objective is to bring together the fragmented body of EU capital markets legislation into a single, accessible, and consistent code, thereby improving legal certainty, reducing complexity, and facilitating the application of the law.

Close-up of a European Union flag with a blurred background.
Close-up of a European Union flag with a blurred background.

People

The project is led by Prof. Dr. RĂ¼diger Veil and conducted by an international research group of scholars from across Europe.

The group brings together 27 researchers from 12 countries, combining expertise in capital markets law, corporate law, financial regulation and European legal integration.

Publications

The project has resulted in a two-book series published by Oxford University Press. Together, they examine the foundations, structure and key subject areas of a possible European Capital Markets Code.

Volume I
Fundamentals of a European Code

Green hardcover book titled 'Regulating EU Capital Markets Union, Volume I, Fundamentals of a European Code', edited by RĂ¼diger Veil, published by Oxford.
  • EXPLORES codification as a means of achieving a true single EU market for capital

  • ANALYSES the current EU capital markets regime and the role of private enforcement

  • PROPOSES reform for market abuse and corporate disclosure regulation

  • CONSIDERS the significance of investor protection and sustainability

Volume II
Market Conduct and Corporate Disclosure in a European Code

A hardcover book titled 'Regulating EU Capital Markets Union, Volume II' edited by RĂ¼diger Veil. The cover is dark green with gold and blue accents and has an Oxford logo at the bottom.
  • PROPOSES to simplify insider trading law, market manipulation prohibition and short selling disclosure

  • DISCUSSES a reform of disclosure of inside information and directors' dealings

  • INVESTIGATES an integrated corporate disclosure and harmonization of public takeover law

  • PROPOSES harmonization of prospectus civil liability

News

Follow the development of the project, including conferences, workshops, policy presentations, recent publications and further milestones.