Service of judicial and extrajudicial documents in civil or commercial matters (service of documents)

The European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution approving the Council's position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the service in the Member States of judicial and extrajudicial documents in civil or commercial matters (service of documents) (recast).

The proposal for the revision of Regulation (EC) No 1393/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the service of documents aims to adapt the cooperation mechanisms and transmission workflows provided for in the existing Regulation to technical developments related to the digital transition and the use of information technology (IT).

In particular, the Commission proposal provides for the establishment of a decentralised IT system and mandatory use for the exchange of requests and documents between Member States' authorities.

Another important objective which is based on IT development is to strengthen the mechanisms of direct cross-border service by allowing secure electronic service, while securing procedural safeguards for the parties.