UK Joins Hague 2019 Judgments Convention on 1 July 2025

On 1 July 2025, the “Hague Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters” (known as the “Hague 2019 Judgments Convention”) entered into force in the UK. 

The Hague 2019 Judgments Convention provides a mechanism for certain UK court decisions to be more easily enforced in other member states – currently including all EU countries (except Denmark), Ukraine, and Uruguay – and vice versa. The hope is that this will:

• Benefit UK businesses by reducing legal costs, delays, and uncertainty in cross-border disputes; and
• Enhance the UK’s appeal as a venue for international litigation, especially in the post-Brexit legal landscape.

However, as with most enforcement regimes, the Convention is not without limitations. It applies only to proceedings commenced on or after 1 July 2025, meaning judgments resulting from existing disputes are excluded. It also does not guarantee automatic recognition – judgments must meet specific criteria, and enforcement can still be refused on grounds such as public policy or improper notice. Additionally, some areas - such as family law, insolvency, and intellectual property - are excluded from its scope.

Whilst the Convention is an important development in cross-border litigation and enforcement, parties should remain aware of its criteria and exclusions when planning strategy.

If you would like advice on how the Hague 2019 Judgments Convention may affect your business or litigation planning, please get in touch with Elizabeth Pouget, Caroline Brown, or Hannah Miller.