阻斷法實施的嚴格進路──歐洲法院伊朗Melli銀行案對中國的啓示

Strict Approach to the Implementation of Blocking Statute - ECJ Melli Bank Case and Its Reference Significance to China

阻斷法實施的複雜性在於它很容易令本國企業陷入兩難困境，因此很多國家盡量避免觸發阻斷法。2021年，在一起歐盟企業涉嫌違反阻斷法的伊朗Melli銀行案中，歐洲法院卻採取了一條嚴格實施進路，不僅允許外國實體起訴歐盟企業，還要求被訴企業說明終止合同的理由，甚至要求對違法者進行嚴厲懲罰。在美國次級制裁可能升級的背景下，該案阻斷法的實施强度引發了各界密切關注。本文分析了該案中歐洲法院佐審官的法律意見書和法院判决書，探討了裁判背後的考量因素。文章指出，歐洲法院一方面通過阻斷法的嚴格實施為歐盟提供了與美國進行政治談判的籌碼，另一方面又以系統性思維指導阻斷法的實施，在追求阻斷法目標時始終觀照著企業的商業自由和利益。文章從阻斷法觸發條件、舉證責任、違法判定標準、是否允許外國實體挑戰本國企業等角度探討了該案對中國的借鑒意義。

The complexity of strict implementation of blocking statute is that it might bring domestic enterprises into a dilemma, which explains why many countries avoid triggering blocking statute. In 2021, in the case of Melli Bank, European Court of Justice puts forward an approach to strictly implement EU blocking statute which not only provides foreign entity with access to private enforcement, but also requires the defendant to justify its termination of contractual relationship. Against the background of escalating US secondary sanctions, this approach caught the eyeballs of the world. This article discusses the considerations behind both the legal opinion and decision of ECJ. In this case, the mandatory and strict nature of the blocking law provides the European Union with a bargaining chip for political negotiations with the United States. Meanwhile, the implementation of the blocking law is guided with systematic thinking, taking into consideration its impact on business freedom. This paper discusses the reference significance of this case to China, such as the triggering conditions of blocking law duty, burden of proof, as well as whether foreign entities are allowed to challenge domestic enterprises.