With the aim of facilitating cross-border online sales in the EU, the European Commission proposed, in a strategic policy paper published on 1 July, several options for a more coherent approach to contract law. The EU’s single market is currently based on a wide variety of contracts that are governed by different national contract laws, which clearly discourages cross-border trade (only 8% of consumers buy online from another member state). In addition, 61% of cross-border sales are rejected because traders refuse to serve the consumer’s country. The Commission’s objective is to bring more legal certainty for businesses and simpler rules for consumers. Among the policy options considered are a (binding or non-binding) ‘toolbox’ for EU lawmakers to ensure better and more coherent rules; a contract law recommendation; an optional European Contract Law; or the creation of a full-fledged European Civil Code, replacing national rules on contracts. The public consultation will run until 31 January 2011. It is available at www.europolitics.info > Search = 275760