EJN's publications

Documents and guides for EU citizens and practitioners prepared by the EJN

The EJN has produced a wide range of citizens' and practitioners' guides, as well as some promotion material (posters and leaflets). In the guides available in all languages of the EU, you will find useful information on the application of certain Regulations, to better handle cross-border cases. They can be downloaded using the below links, and paper copies can be ordered on the EU Publications Office website.

Guides for practitioners

  • Family matters

Brussels IIb: Practice Guide for the application of the Brussels IIb Regulation (2022)

Brussels IIa: Practice Guide for the application of the Brussels IIa Regulation (2014) PDF (2985 Kb) en

Maintenance obligations: Guidance on the use of the Annexes under Regulation (EC) No 4/2009 on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions and cooperation in matters relating to maintenance obligations

Practice guide on the application of Regulation no 4/2009 on maintenance obligations

  • European Procedures

Small Claims: Practice Guide for the Application of the European Small Claims Procedure (2019) PDF (2237 Kb) en

European Payment Order: Practice Guide for the application of the Regulation on the European Order for Payment (2012) PDF (5809 Kb) en

Please note that the guide does not address the amendment that entered into force on 14 July 2017 which adds an option of continuation of the proceedings in a case of lodging a statement of opposition in accordance with the rules of Regulation (EC) 861/2007 establishing a European Small Claims Procedure for claims of a value up to 5000 euro.

For further information in this regard please consult the new text of Article 17 of the Regulation as well as Article 2 of Regulation (EC) 861/2007, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2015/2421.

Enforcement order in uncontested claims (European Enforcement order): Practice guide for the application of the Regulation on the European Enforcement Order (2009) PDF (1310 Kb) en

  • Taking of Evidence abroad

Practical guide on using videoconferencing to obtain evidence in civil and commercial matters (2009) PDF (724 Kb) en

Practice guide for the application of the Regulation on the Taking of Evidence (2011) PDF (74 Kb) en

  • Cross-border labour law

Practice Guide - Jurisdiction and applicable law in international disputes between the employee and the employer (2020)

  • Data collection on cross-border cases in civil matters

EJN Good practices for data collection (2021) PDF (619 Kb) EN

Guides for citizens

Collection of EU legislation in the area of cross-border judicial cooperation

Compendium of European Union Legislation on Judicial Cooperation in Civil and Commercial Matters - 2018 Edition

Key EJN documents

Council Decision of 28 May 2001 establishing a European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters (2001/470/EC) (consolidated version)

Commission report of 10 March 2016 on the activities of the European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters (COM(2016) 129 final)

2014 Study: Evaluation of the activities of the European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters

2016 Council conclusions on the European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters

Promotional material

EJN poster  PDF (162 Kb) en (available for dissemination)

Leaflet – Need help in a cross-border case?  PDF (740 Kb) EN

Archive: Older/outdated EJN publications

Last update: 23/01/2024

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