The UEHJ was represented at the e-FILIT conference held in Lisbon on the 1st and 2nd of October 2024 by Patrick Gielen, Secretary of the UIHJ board. This conference, organized under Grant Agreement 101138192 — e-FILIT, aimed to improve the implementation of EU law and enhance the use of ICT systems in the field of EU judicial cooperation through interprofessional training.
Objectives and Topics Covered
Over the years, the European Union has adopted various regulations to facilitate and simplify access to justice in cross-border litigation. The conference provided an in-depth analysis of several cross-cutting issues in the field of cross-border cooperation, particularly focusing on the digitalization of justice. Key regulations discussed included:
- The ‘Brussels I-bis Regulation’ (Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012) on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters.
- Regulation (EC) No 805/2004 creating a European Enforcement Order for Uncontested claims.
- Regulation (EC) No 1896/2006 creating a European Order for payment procedure.
- Regulation (EC) No 861/2007 establishing a European Small Claims Procedure.
- Regulation (EU) No 655/2014 establishing a European Account Preservation Order procedure for cross-border debt recovery.
The conference featured several experts in the field of EU law and cross-border litigation, offering a range of insights on the latest developments and challenges in the European judicial landscape:
- Cristina M. Mariottini, a Lecturer at EIPA Luxembourg, specializes in judicial cooperation within the EU’s Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice. She introduced the program, covering the European Payment Order (EPO) and the Court of Justice of the European Union’s role in reinforcing the protection of defendants. With her extensive experience in training legal professionals and officials, Dr. Mariottini’s session provided a deep dive into the complexities of cross-border enforcement.
- Prof. Dr. Maria Luisa Villamarin Lopez is a distinguished Professor of Procedural Law at the Complutense University of Madrid. With a wealth of experience reflected in her extensive publications on civil and criminal proceedings, she discussed consumer protection under the EPO and the European Small Claims Procedure (ESCP). Her session offered an expert analysis of how these regulations serve to protect consumers in cross-border disputes.
- Carlos Santaló Goris, also a Lecturer at EIPA Luxembourg, focuses on training and consultancy for judiciary professionals regarding judicial cooperation in the EU. He explored the concentration of jurisdiction in central courts for the EAPO, EPO, and ESCP, providing valuable insights into how these regulations are applied across different member states.
- Dr. Apostolos Anthimos is an attorney-at-law and holds a Ph.D. in International Civil Litigation and UIHJ expert. With extensive experience in European & International Private International Law (PIL), Arbitration, and Dispute Resolution, Dr. Anthimos delved into cross-border service in the ‘2nd Generation’ Regulations. His expertise offered attendees a comprehensive understanding of the procedural aspects and practical challenges faced in cross-border enforcement.
The conference also covered recent legislative developments, digitalization in justice, and challenges in asset recovery, providing valuable information for professionals involved in cross-border litigation. The sessions concluded with a comprehensive evaluation of the discussions, outlining suggestions for future improvements in judicial cooperation across the EU.
