PRIV-WAR was a collaborative research project coordinated by the European University Institute through the Academy of European Law in cooperation with LUISS “Guido Carli” (Rome) and the other project partners: Justus Liebig Universität Giessen; Riga Graduate School of Law; Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris II), Centre Thucydide; University of Sheffield and Utrecht University. The project has assessed the impact of the increasing use of private military companies and security companies (PMCs/PSCs) in situations of armed conflict. It has examined the regulatory framework at national, European and international levels, and it has made Recommendations for the European Union with a view to ensuring improved compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights. Launched in January 2008, the project was concluded in August 2011.