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Framework programme for judicial cooperation in civil matters

This page gives a general presentation in three parts:

  • Part I covers the latest developments which occurred within the recent years.
  • Part II gives a general view of the matter concerned.
  • Part III documents and reports.

I) Latest developments

NEW: The 2006 call for proposals (CO-FINANCING OF THE ACTIVITIES OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS) is open. The deadline for submission of the proposals is the 31 July 2006.

IMPORTANT: Please note that an error occurred in placing on line the budget form for the FPC call for proposals "Co-financing of the annual activities of non-governmental organisations - operating Grants". As from 13/06/2006, the right form appears on line under the correct heading.

II) General context

On 25 April 2002 the Council adopted the Regulation (EC) No 743/2002 establishing a general framework for Community activities to facilitate the implementation of judicial cooperation in civil matters, for the period 2002-2006.

Denmark, in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Protocol on the position of Denmark annexed to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community, did not participate in the adoption of this Regulation, and is therefore not bound by it nor subject to its application.

The objectives of the framework programme are the following:

  • to promote judicial cooperation in civil matters, aiming in particular at ensuring legal certainty and improving access to justice, promoting mutual recognition of judicial decisions and judgments, promoting the necessary approximation of legislation, or eliminating obstacles created by disparities in civil law and civil procedures;
  • to improve mutual knowledge of Member States legal and judicial systems in civil matters;
  • to ensure the sound implementation and application of Community instruments in the area of judicial cooperation in civil matters; and
  • to improve information to the public on access to justice, judicial cooperation and the legal systems of the Member States in civil matters.

The indicative budget available for 2006 is EUR 3 750 000. The following types of actions will be financed within this budget :

  • Specific actions taken at the initiative of the Commission,
  • Actions providing financial support for specific projects of Community interest, and
  • Actions providing financial support for the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

For further information on the framework programme for judicial cooperation in civil matters contact: JLS-FRAMEWORK-CIVIL@ec.europa.eu

III) Documents and Reports