UK Ratifies 2019 Hague Judgments Convention: Implications and Practical Considerations

The United Kingdom has taken a significant step in the realm of international law by ratifying the 2019 Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters. This move, set to take effect from July 2025, will have far-reaching implications for UK businesses and individuals involved in cross-border legal disputes.

Joining the Hague 2019 Convention means that UK civil and commercial judgments will now be recognized and enforceable in other convention countries, including the EU (except Denmark), Ukraine, and Uruguay. This development comes at a crucial time post-Brexit, where UK entities have faced challenges in enforcing their judgments across EU borders.

However, it is important to note that the scope of the convention does not cover certain matters such as wills and succession, family law, insolvency, defamation, intellectual property, and competition issues. As the full implementation of the convention approaches, parties are advised to take proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition.

Key considerations include reviewing and updating contracts to align with the requirements of the Hague 2019 Convention. The convention sets out specific bases for recognition and enforcement, such as judgments given by a convention state court in accordance with a contract or where the performance of an obligation was contractually agreed.

Enforcement of judgments under the Hague 2019 Convention may be refused in certain circumstances, such as fraud or lack of notification to the defendant. While there is no right to review the merits of the judgment, enforcement will be facilitated as necessary to uphold the convention.

As legal experts continue to monitor and provide updates on the implications of the Hague 2019 Convention, businesses and individuals are encouraged to stay informed and seek tailored legal advice for their specific circumstances. This ratification marks a significant milestone in the UK’s international legal framework and opens up new avenues for cross-border legal cooperation.