EU eases way for small cross-border legal claims

(LUXEMBOURG) - European justice ministers agreed Wednesday to smooth the way for people to make small legal claims across EU borders.

The measure, for claims not exceeding 2,000 euros (2,660 dollars), creates a uniform civil procedure to apply in all 27 EU member countries, with the exception of Denmark, essentially improving cross-border legal relations.

"People should be able, just like businesses, to enforce their rights under the law," German Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries said as she hosted a meeting of her EU counterparts in Luxembourg.

She said the measure is "an easy, inexpensive and effective manner" to resolve problems, whether they be damage to a car in a traffic accident in another EU state or cancelling a flawed purchase made on a shopping holiday.

People making such claims will have the choice of doing so under legislation in their home country if they prefer.

At present, legal actions that appear to have resolved the issue in a person's home country often have to be repeated in another where the incident took place, owing to differences in legislation.

The new measure, which will enter into force on January 1, 2009, will still allow for parties to appeal.

It does not apply to work disputes, divorce proceedings or inheritance cases.

Justice and Home Affairs Council of Ministers, 12-13 June 2007 - Conclusions