Insights: Recognition and enforcement of UK Court Judgments in Cyprus post-Brexit

The Regulation (EU) 1215/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters (recast) (Recast Brussels Regulation) regulates jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments between EU member states.

According to the terms of the “Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community”, following the 31st of December 2020, EU law on the recognition and enforcement of judgements will apply only to the recognition and enforcement of UK Court Judgments issued in legal proceedings filed before 30 December 2020.

As a result, the Recast Brussels Regulation 2012 is no longer applicable to the recognition and enforcement of UK court judgments in Cyprus for judgements issued by UK courts in legal proceedings commencing from 1 January 2021

Currently, those wishing to obtain recognisiton and enforcement of a UK judgment in Cyprus must revert to the previous legal regime, which has become relevant again. Specifically, the “Reciprocal Enforcement of Certain Judgments issued by the Courts of the Commonwealth Countries”, Cap.10 as amended by subsequent Law 130(I)/2000.

With regrards to arbitral awards, since both Cyprus and the UK are parties to the New York Convention, Brexit has not affcted the enforcement of arbitration awards.

How can we help?

We are able to assist in the registration and execution of foreign judgments in Cyprus. If you require further information or advice regarding the registration and enforcement of foreign judgments in Cyprus contact us.

Theodorou Law is a Cyprus law firm with Cyprus lawyers and other legal experts on legal matters involving Cyprus law, EU law and international law. The above should be used as a source of general information only. It is not intended to give a definitive statement of the law.