What is the European Small Claims Procedure

The Council Regulation 861/2007 of 11 July 2007 establishes a European Small Claims Procedure. The goal is to improve and simplify procedures in civil and commercial matters where the value of a claim does not exceed 2000 €. The Regulation applies between all Member States of the European Union with the exception of Denmark. Standard forms are provided and downloadable by the Internet. The procedure is written unless an oral hearing is considered necessary by the court. Time limits for the parties and for the court in order to speed up litigation are established by the Regulation.

The European Small Claims Procedure is an alternative to the procedures already existing under the law of EU Members States.