Harmonisation of Procedures in Europe: the proposal for a European Small Claims Procedure

In this article the proposal for a European Small Claims Procedures is analyzed. Following the proposal for a European Order for Payment Procedure, this proposal introduces the second Euro-pean harmonized procedure. It is concluded that the European Small Claims Procedure is an asset to international litigation, but it has some weak points. The Regulation is far from exhaustive and this could lead to different practices in the Member States. Further question are raised as to the threshold of € 2000,--, the consumer friendliness, and the cost effectiveness. Nevertheless it might result in a more effective and less expensive way of litigating small claims in international cases.