Professor Hess and Professor van Calster (KU Leuven) have set up a Working Group within the framework of the European Association for Private International Law (EAPIL) with the aim to draft an Academic Position Paper for the reform of the Brussels Ibis Regulation.

In 2021, Professor Hess has already published a Working Paper on perspectives and prospects of a reform of the Brussels Ibis Regulation.

In late 2021, the Working Group with members from nearly all EU member states was set up. A questionnaire was circulated within the Working Group to collect issues and identify needs for reform.

In September 2022, the Working Group met for a conference in Luxemburg to discuss the different issues. There were panels on the role and scope of the Brussels Ibis Regulation, collective redress, third state relationships, jurisdiction and pendency, and recognition and enforcement. As a result of the conference, Professor Hess and a team of Researchers of the Institute published a second Working Paper which put forward 32 proposals for the reform of the Brussels Ibis Regulation. Parallel to the second Working Paper, a survey was set up to collect reactions and comments on the proposals. The survey will be open until 15 April 2023.