Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters: accession by the European Union

The European Parliament adopted by 576 votes to 8, with 14 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision concerning the accession of the European Union to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters.

Parliament gave its consent to the accession of the European Union to the Convention.

As a reminder, the aim of the Convention is to promote access to justice globally through enhanced judicial cooperation. In particular, it aims to reduce the risks and costs associated with cross-border litigation and dispute resolution, thereby facilitating international trade, investment and mobility.

The Convention applies to the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. It does not cover revenue, customs or administrative matters. It applies to the recognition and enforcement in a Contracting State of a judgment given by a court in another Contracting State. Recognition or enforcement may be refused only on the grounds set out in the Convention.