The Hague Judgments Convention: A "Game-changer" For Cross Border Dispute Resolution?

On 1 July 2025, the Hague Judgments Convention came into force in the UK, applying to proceedings commenced after that date. Its objective is to streamline the global recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, enhancing access to justice and the confidence of litigants in the dispute resolution process.

What is the Hague Judgments Convention?

The full text of the Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters dated 2 July 2019 (the "Convention") can be found here.

The Convention provides a minimum framework for the recognition and enforcement of civil or commercial foreign judgments internationally between contracting states, which includes EU member states, except Denmark, and others. The current position with respect to ratifications and accessions of those states which have signed up to the Convention can be found here.