International judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters

There are three priority fields in legal cooperation in civil matters:

• mutual recognition of court judgements;
• harmonisation of procedural law;
• legal assistance.

The overall purpose of cooperation is to establish a functional legal network, which ensures effective access to administration of justice and legal assistance.

International communication in civil matters is regulated by EU legislation, conventions and legal assistance agreements.

Cooperation in civil and commercial matters allows for the performance of the following operations in the territory of another state:

• service of documents;
• collecting evidence;
• recognition of court judgements;
• international child abduction proceedings;
• other civil law issues.