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SMALL CLAIMS PROCESS TO CROSS EURO BORDERS

Article dated: Friday 2 June 2006 11:26

(Note - although this article talks about British tourists it applies to all EU nationals and all EU member states)

British tourists who purchase faulty goods whilst on holiday in other European Union countries will be able to get quicker, simpler solutions under a procedure agreed by Ministers meeting in Luxembourg.

The UK negotiations on the proposals have been led by Baroness Cathy Ashton, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Constitutional Affairs. She welcomed the developments and said:

"This is excellent news for anyone who needs to bring a small claim in another EU country. It will help travellers, tourists, workers and businesses alike. The processes will be simple and effective and give people confidence that they can bring their case without a cumbersome procedure. It marks the conclusion of work led by the UK during our presidency."

Under the text agreed today claims valued at less than E2,000 and involving cross border issues will be subject to the procedure. Claim and defence forms will be the same in all the European languages and courts will be encouraged to decide claims on paper where possible, with use made of telephone and video conference communications if oral hearings are felt necessary. Parties need not be legally represented if they do not wish to be, and the process for enforcing judgements in other EU states will be made easier.

Notes For Editors

1. The text of the proposed European Small Claims procedure was finalised in Luxembourg at a meeting of European justice ministers. The document now goes to the European Parliament for consideration where those involved in the negotiations are optimistic that the measures will receive further support.

2. The proposals for a European mechanism for dealing with cross-border small claims were initially made in 1998 when the UK held the European Presidency and the key principles involved were finally agreed in 2005, again under the UK European Presidency.

Original article can be found at: http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/detai ... tment=True