A partire dal 1° luglio 2025, dopo la ratifica del giugno 2024, il Regno Unito diventa ufficialmente parte contraente della Convenzione. 2019 Convenzione dell'Aia sul riconoscimento e l'esecuzione delle sentenze straniere in materia civile o commerciale.
This marks a key milestone in the UK’s post-Brexit legal landscape, strengthening cross-border cooperation and simplifying the enforcement of court judgments between the UK, the EU, and other signatory states.
Che cos'è la Convenzione dell'Aia?
The 2019 Hague Convention provides a uniform legal framework for recognising and enforcing civil e commerciale judgments across member countries. It eliminates the need to re-litigate cases in foreign jurisdictions, allowing judgments issued in one country to be enforced in another via a simplified registration process.
This is particularly relevant for businesses engaged in international trade and contracts, where swift and reliable enforcement of court decisions is essential.
Vantaggi principali per le parti commerciali
UK businesses currently face delays and added complexity when seeking to enforce judgments abroad. The Convention addresses this by offering a clearer, more consistent approach, helping reduce legal costs, uncertainty, and duplication of proceedings.
Certezza giuridica ed efficienza
The Convention provides UK companies and consumers with increased confidence that UK court judgments volontà be recognised and enforced in other contracting states—and vice versa. This predictability encourages cross-border trade, investment, and risoluzione delle controversie.
Colmare il divario di applicazione post-Brexit
Da quando ha lasciato l'Unione Europea, il Regno Unito non fa più parte dell'Unione Europea. Regolamento di rifusione di Bruxelles e Convenzione di Lugano, which previously facilitated enforcement across the EU and EFTA states. The 2019 Hague Convention fills much of this void, although it does not govern jurisdiction allocation.
Supporto per la risoluzione delle controversie commerciali
La nuova Convenzione integra la 2005 Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements, extending enforcement protections to non-exclusive jurisdiction agreements. This strengthens the UK’s attractiveness as a forum for resolving international dispute.
Risparmio di costi e tempo
Particularly beneficial for PMI, La Convenzione dovrebbe ridurre le spese legali e i ritardi nell'esecuzione delle sentenze straniere, migliorando l'accesso alla giustizia e facilitando il recupero dei crediti nelle transazioni transfrontaliere.
Sfide e limiti
Ambito di applicazione limitato ed esclusioni
The Convention applies only to specific civil and commercial matters. It excludes areas such as family law and certain personal injury claims, meaning some cases will still require traditional enforcement mechanisms.
Preoccupazioni per gli standard giudiziari
Recognising judgments from countries with lower judicial transparency or fairness raises potential concerns. The UK government has stated it will actively monitor new members joining the Convention and may issue declarations to restrict enforcement where necessary.
Nessuna regola sull'attribuzione della giurisdizione
La Convenzione non stabilisce quali tribunali di un Paese debbano giudicare una controversia. Le questioni di giurisdizione continueranno a essere risolte in base alle leggi nazionali o ad altri accordi internazionali.
Conclusione
The UK’s accession to the 2019 Hague Judgments Convention is a major advancement in re-establishing international legal cooperation after Brexit. It introduces a clearer and more efficient system for cross-border enforcement of civil and commercial judgments, benefiting UK businesses, consumers, and the broader legal sector.
While some limitations remain—such as exclusions in scope and concerns over fairness in certain jurisdictions—the Convention is expected to strengthen the UK’s position as a preferred venue for dispute resolution and promote smoother global trade and investment.
If you require any assistance in relation to enforcing a foreign judgment in the UK or a judgment outside of the UK, please contact Partner Jonathan Chan at J.Chan@rfblegal.co.uk.
Jonathan Chan
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