Hague Convention 2019

The Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters, concluded on 2 July 2019. It creates a framework for the recognition and enforcement of judgements between contracting states, similar to what the Brussels Regulation provides within the EU. The UK signed the Convention on 12 January 2024, ratified it on 27 June 2024, and it entered into force for the UK on 1 July 2025.

In practice

The Hague Convention 2019 is expected to significantly expand the routes available for enforcing foreign judgements in England and Wales once it enters into force for the UK. It covers judgements in civil and commercial matters and provides for recognition without a review of the merits. Creditors with judgements from contracting states will benefit from a streamlined registration process.