Brussels, 09/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - New European rules on the resolution of cross-border disputes enter into force on Saturday 10 January. These aim to help consumers and businesses of the Union, which may save up to €48 million a year, the Commission states in a press release.
These rules abolish the costly and lengthy procedure, which is currently used 10,000 times a year, to get judgments in civil and commercial matters recognised in other EU countries. From 10 January, these decisions will be automatically enforceable across the EU. “The rules abolish the cumbersome intermediate 'exequatur' procedure, which typically costs 2,000 to 3,000 euros depending on the member state, but could cost up to 12,700 euros including lawyers' fees, translation and court costs”, the Commission explains.
Consumers who make purchases from commercial operators established outside the EU will also enjoy better protection, and businesses will benefit from greater legal security for their cross-border operations within the EU. (SP)