The Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements 2005 is an international agreement signed by various countries around the world. Its primary objective is to facilitate the recognition and enforcement of judgments rendered by courts in other countries that are party to the agreement.
So, who are the signatories of this important convention? As of 2021, there are a total of 33 signatory countries, including the European Union as a single entity. These countries are:
1. Mexico
2. Montenegro
3. Antigua and Barbuda
4. Singapore
5. Ukraine
6. United States of America
7. European Union
8. Denmark
9. Dominican Republic
10. Estonia
11. Finland
12. France
13. Germany
14. Greece
15. Italy
16. Latvia
17. Lithuania
18. Luxembourg
19. Malta
20. Netherlands
21. Poland
22. Portugal
23. Romania
24. Spain
25. Sweden
26. United Kingdom
27. Croatia
28. Japan
29. South Korea
30. China (including Hong Kong)
31. Canada
32. Norway
33. Switzerland
It`s worth noting that although the United States is a signatory of the Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements, it has not yet ratified the agreement. This means that, while the US has pledged to adhere to the principles outlined in the agreement, it is not yet legally bound to do so.
For businesses operating across international borders, the Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements can be a valuable tool for resolving disputes and ensuring that judgments are recognized and enforced across multiple jurisdictions. By signing onto this agreement, countries have signaled their commitment to working together to create a more predictable and stable legal environment for international trade and commerce.
Overall, the Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements 2005 has the potential to streamline legal proceedings, reduce costs and provide businesses with greater certainty when trading across borders. As more countries sign on to this agreement, it is likely to become an increasingly important part of the global legal landscape.