So as to be able to offer better support to courts in cross-border proceedings, the heads of states and government of EU Member States decided to set up a network, made up of national authorities and courts, to support, improve and accelerate legal co-operation between the Member States in such cases. This plan developed into the European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters, abbreviated to EJN. A Council Decision issued on 28 May 2001 and a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009, which were summarised in the EJN decision (consolidated version), form the legal basis for the EJN’s existence. All EU Member States are members of the network, with the exception of Denmark.
The EJN is there to provide services mainly to the courts and judicial administrations. Its tasks include supporting courts with cases that require co-operation with other Member States. The aim is to ensure that proceedings within the EU involving more than a single member state run as smoothly as possible.
If you are a judge or other kind of legal official or representative of a public organisation having to deal with a cross-border legal dispute, you can turn to the contact points in Germany. They will then get in touch with the relevant contact point in the Member State in question and thus do their best to help you to find the most appropriate solution for your problems. The assistance offered ranges from help with writing and dealing with requests for legal assistance, to gathering information on the legal conditions in the other country.
Citizens involved in cross-border legal disputes can get information on the national legal systems of the various Member States and of the legislation of the European Union and other international organisations, such as the Hague Conference, from the European e-Justice Portal. This is a website containing information on EU law, international conventions, the national law of Member States and the relevant channels of communication for such international co-operation.
The European Judicial Atlas in civil matters is particularly useful, as it enables users to find competent courts in the Member States. It also allows access to a range of forms pertaining to European civil procedure law, which has expanded in recent years to become a very extensive area of the law.
You will find further information in an information leaflet titled "European Judicial Network (EJN) in Civil and Commercial Matters - Practical Support for German Courts in cross-border Proceedings" (in German).