The UK negotiations on the proposals have been led by Baroness
Cathy Ashton, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the
Department for Constitutional Affairs. She said it will help
travellers, tourists, workers and businesses alike.
"The processes will be simple and effective and give people
confidence that they can bring their case without a cumbersome
procedure," said Baroness Ashton.
Under the text agreed, claims valued at less than €2,000 and
involving cross-border issues will be subject to the procedure.
Claim and defence forms will be the same in all the European
languages and courts will be encouraged to decide claims on paper
where possible, with use made of telephone and video conference
communications if oral hearings are felt necessary. Parties need
not be legally represented if they do not wish to be, and the
process for enforcing judgements in other EU states will be made
easier.
The text of the proposed European Small Claims procedure was
finalised in Luxembourg at a meeting of European justice ministers.
The document now goes to the European Parliament for
consideration.
