The process of European integration has resulted in a considerable increase in the complexity of the interplay between fundamental rights and private law. The topic is no longer limited to the question of determining the relationship between private law and fundamental rights enshrined in national Constitutions. Today, the legal landscape within the EU is marked by a multi-level system in which different sources of fundamental rights – national, supranational and international – have an influence on the application and interpretation of private law rules. Although the different systems of fundamental rights show many commonalities, a closer analysis reveals differences both with regard to the scope of protection and the justification of restrictions. Notable examples are the differing concept of ‘family life’ under the ECHR and Member State constitutions,1 the relationship between freedom of press and protection of privacy,2 as well as different readings of the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of age which is now enshrined in Article 21(1) EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.3 In order to assess the impact of fundamental rights on Member State private law systems it is necessary, in a first step, to provide an overview of the different sources that are taken into consideration by courts in civil proceedings.