By Raphaël MORENON
1 April 2025
Recovering a debt in another European country can seem daunting. Language barriers, legal differences and distance often complicate the process. The European Small Claims Procedure offers a practical solution to this problem. This guide outlines the practical steps you need to take to initiate the procedure correctly. Check the preconditions for application Before taking any steps, confirm that your situation meets the three essential criteria for application. The first criterion concerns the cross-border nature of the dispute. This condition is met when at least one of the parties is domiciled in a Member State other than that of the court seised. This status is assessed on the date the form is received by the court. The second criterion relates to the amount. The value of your claim must not exceed €5,000, excluding interest, costs and disbursements. To assess this amount, count only the principal of your claim. Article 2 of the...
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