The Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters (Hague Judgments Convention) was concluded in July 2019.  It provides a uniform framework for enforcing judgments in civil and commercial matters between the contracting states. 

The contracting states include all of the EU Members, with the exception of Denmark, Uruguay and Ukraine but, until now, the UK was not a signatory. 

That situation has changed as, with effect from 1st July 2025, the UK has adopted the convention into law. 

This is a significant step particularly as, post Brexit, the regime for enforcement between EU countries and the UK ceased to apply. 

The adoption of the convention is not retrospective so will only apply to proceedings commenced after the convention came into force in both countries. 

For the UK this means 1st July 2025. 

The UK has adopted the convention not just for England and Wales (as it originally indicated that it would) but for the whole of the United Kingdom. 

The adoption of the convention should mean significantly easier recognition and enforcement of judgments between the UK and the other signatories going forward.

Howard Colman and his Team at Colman Coyle have significant experience in advising on the recognition and enforcement of overseas judgments and arbitration awards and will be happy to assist anyone needing help in this complex area of law and procedure.