Hague 2019 gives more certainty in cross-border disputes, writes Ben Roe. But will the courts pursue a consistent approach?
- The Hague Judgments Convention 2019 came into force for the UK on 1 July 2025. It allows for quicker and easier cross-border recognition and enforcement of judgments in some cases, including with the EU.
- Although this is a positive step for litigants using UK courts, challenges remain around the scope and application of the convention.
The Hague Conference on Private International Law stands alongside UNCITRAL and UNIDROIT as one of the three main sources of private international law. It has produced many conventions relevant to litigators, such as the Hague Service Convention and the Hague Evidence Convention.
However, it is the Hague Conference’s efforts around jurisdiction that have recently gained prominence. The Hague Judgments Convention 2019 (Hague 2019) came into force in the UK on 1 July 2025. Its roots can be traced back to the 1990s, with the formation of the Jurisdiction Project. This initiative aimed to harmonise
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