European cross-border procedures

Procedures for judicial co-operation

Service Regulation (recast)

Regulation (EU) 2020/1784, the Service Regulation (recast) which repealed and replaced Regulation (EC) 1393/2007 sets out the procedure for the service of documents between EU Member States. Alongside the regulation, an EU Member State will have their own domestic procedures to ensure compliance with requirements under the regulation.

For further guidance, see Practice Note: The Service Regulation (recast). See also: Transmission and service of judicial documents using the Service Regulation (recast)—checklist and The Service Regulation (recast)—defendant does not enter an appearance—checklist.

Hague Service Convention

All EU Member States are contracting states to the Hague Service Convention. However, service can only be effected under the provisions in this convention if serving between contracting states where one of the states is not an EU Member State.

Taking of Evidence Regulation (recast)

Regulation (EU) 2020/1783, the Taking of Evidence Regulation (recast), which repealed and replaced Regulation (EC) 1206/2001 applies between EU Member States, although it does not apply to Denmark. The regulation sets out the process for obtaining evidence from one EU Member

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest EU Law News

EFPIA challenges Urban Wastewater Directive in EU Court

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) is challenging Directive 91/271/EEC (Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD)) in the EU General Court. EFPIA seeks clarity on the directive's alignment with the EU's polluter pays principle, arguing that it unfairly targets the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors for wastewater treatment costs.

EMA launches clinical trial map to enhance research access

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has implemented a new clinical trial mapping tool within the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS), marking a significant development in the accessibility of EU clinical trial data. The tool, launched as part of the Accelerating Clinical Trials in the European Union initiative's 2025-2026 workplan, enables healthcare professionals and patients to search for ongoing trials by location and medical condition, with functionality for lay language queries and spelling corrections. The system provides direct investigator contact information for trial enrolment enquiries and will initially operate in English, with additional EU language support planned. This development advances the transparency objectives of the Clinical Trials Regulation, whilst maintaining the existing framework where EU/EEA Member States retain authority over trial authorisation and oversight, with the European Commission maintaining regulatory supervision.

EFPIA issues implementation recommendations for European Health Data Space

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and 38 other EU health community representatives have issued comprehensive recommendations following the publication of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) in the Official Journal of the EU. They urge policymakers to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and capacity building during implementation, stressing the need to avoid excessive bureaucracy and maintain a coherent interpretation of the law.

EFPIA responds to Critical Medicines Alliance Strategic Report

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) has expressed support for the European Commission's efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains through the Critical Medicines Alliance Strategic Report. However, EFPIA raises concerns about the implementation of the Critical Medicines Act, particularly regarding supply chain vulnerability assessments and procurement rules.