Resolution on supporting the United Kingdom accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution tabled by the Committee on Legal Affairs on supporting the United Kingdom accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters.

Parliament welcomed the positive assessments made by the Commission with a view to establishing treaty relations with the United Kingdom in the framework of the Judgments Convention. It supported the United Kingdom's accession to the Judgments Convention.

Members recalled that the Judgments Convention facilitates the effective international circulation of judgments in civil or commercial matters by providing legal certainty and predictability to parties involved in cross-border transactions and clarity as to whether and to what extent a judgment will be recognised and enforced in another jurisdiction. By ensuring the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, the Judgments Convention should enhance access to justice by reducing legal time frames, costs and risks in cross-border circumstances.

Pursuant to Article 24 of the Judgments Convention, any non-EU state can accede to the Convention. The European Union acceded to the Judgments Convention on 29 August 2022. The United Kingdom deposited its instrument of ratification to the Judgments Convention on 27 June 2024.

If the Union accepts the United Kingdom's accession to the Judgments Convention, it will enter into force on 1 July 2025 and will be applicable between the two parties.

This resolution is without prejudice to the procedure laid down in Article 218(6) TFEU, which should be followed in matters concerning the establishment of the EU position regarding accession by third states to the Hague Conference Conventions.