Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

The Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters, also known as the Hague Judgments Convention, is a treaty aimed at simplifying and facilitating the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in civil or commercial matters between countries that have ratified it.

The convention establishes a common framework for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in participating countries. It provides rules and procedures for the recognition and enforcement of judgments rendered by courts of one participating country in the courts of another participating country. This is intended to provide greater legal certainty and reduce the cost and complexity of cross-border litigation.

In practice, the Hague Judgments Convention is used by litigants seeking to enforce a foreign judgment in a participating country. The Convention provides a mechanism for obtaining recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in a manner that is more efficient and predictable than relying on national laws.

This can be particularly useful for parties engaged in international trade or investment, where disputes may arise that require enforcement of foreign judgments in different countries.