European Cryonic Law and Policy Research Initiative
A journey through space and time: by Jordi Sandalinas, lawyer. Addressing legal and policy issues around longevity, lifespan, transhumanism, health, bioethics and cryonics in Europe.
Initiative
About the cryonic research
A non-profit legal research initiative created by lawyer Jordi Sandalinas.
The European Cryonic Law and Policy Research Initiative studies the main legal issues around the legality of cryonics in Europe, according to the laws already established, with the aim of encouraging national and international organisations to enact legal instruments in favour of human cryopreservation when possible.
As a research initiative it proposes systematic investigation and scientific research to establish facts and principles around cryopreservation, in order to solve the current lack of a regulatory legal framework. In some jurisdictions, the fact that cryopreservation is not regulated does not mean it is fully legal.
Why the gap matters
Once legal death has been declared by the authorities, cryopreservation could become a reality as soon as laws regulate the practice. The discussion is open because cryopreservation can be read as a kind of embalming protocol. The difference is the purpose: the aim is not to bury human remains, but to keep the patient at a cryopreservation facility, so that a second chance becomes possible once technology can heal them.
Societies and foundations across Europe already advocate for longevity and cryopreservation. Court cases have been won so that the last will of the deceased is respected, yet the laws themselves still do not give an effective answer in favour of cryopreservation.
Objectives
- Investigate the legal situation of cryonics in Europe
- Publish articles specialised in legal matters
- Unify criteria in Europe
- Conduct lectures and presentations
- Collaborate in working groups
- Collaborate on creating effective laws
- Collaborate at local administration level
- Collaborate at European institutional level
- Create a uniform regulatory framework throughout the European Union in the field of cryopreservation
- Establish uniform policies and protocols for preparation, transfer and cryopreservation at Spanish, European and world level
Legal mechanisms in cryonics
Cryonics needs highly specialised skills and a deep knowledge of the existing framework. On the legal side, these are the needs that arise:
- 1.Negotiation of private documents with relevant entities
- 2.Contracts: drafting, negotiation, insurance, securities, taxation
- 3.Preparation of notarial documents, wills and bequests
- 4.Estate planning and agreements with heirs
- 5.Formation of capital management companies
- 6.Trust creation
- 7.Constitution of foundations
- 8.Other private legal acts in relation to cryopreservation
- 9.Assistance in legal proceedings
Text written by Jordi Sandalinas for the initiative's own pages, edited and published here on 18 October 2026.
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