International Banking ♦ Winter 2026

Lebanese Banking Crisis: Can Consumers Litigate in the EU under the Brussels Ia Regulation?

Abdelmoniem Yousif

This Note examines whether EU-domiciled consumers affected by the Lebanese banking crisis can bring legal claims against Lebanese banks before courts in the European Union under Regulation (EU) No. 1215/2012 (Brussels Ia Regulation). Specifically, it explores the scope and applicability of Articles 17–19, which govern jurisdiction in consumer contracts, to determine whether Lebanese banks that once maintained correspondent accounts, engaged in cross-border marketing, or executed contracts within the EU can be deemed to have “directed activities” to a Member State under Article 17(1)(c).