Enforcement of International Credits

International credit recovery presents additional complexities related to different legal systems, languages, jurisdictions, and enforcement mechanisms. Our international network and multilingual team ensure effective representation across borders, providing seamless service from claim assessment to final recovery.

Credit Recovery Abroad

Cross-border credit recovery requires specialized knowledge of international conventions, European regulations, bilateral treaties, and the legal systems of different countries. We provide comprehensive assistance for credits owed in foreign jurisdictions, coordinating with our international network of legal professionals to ensure efficient recovery regardless of the debtor's location.

Our International Presence

With offices and correspondent lawyers across Europe, North Africa, and Asia, we provide local expertise with international coordination. Our network includes legal professionals in over 20 countries, ensuring you have access to qualified representation wherever your debtor is located.

Tools for International Credit Recovery

European regulations and international conventions provide several effective mechanisms for cross-border debt recovery. Our expertise in these instruments allows us to choose the most efficient path for your specific situation.

European Payment Order (EPO)

The European Payment Order is a simplified procedure for uncontested monetary claims in EU member states. It allows creditors to obtain a payment order that is enforceable throughout the European Union without the need for a declaration of enforceability (exequatur). This procedure significantly reduces time and costs for cross-border recovery within the EU.

  • Applies to cross-border civil and commercial matters
  • No monetary limit on claim amount
  • Streamlined electronic filing available
  • Automatic enforcement across EU member states

European Enforcement Order (EEO)

The European Enforcement Order allows a judgment, court settlement, or authentic instrument from one EU country to be certified as enforceable in another EU member state without intermediate proceedings. This certification eliminates the traditional exequatur procedure, enabling direct enforcement in the debtor's country.

  • Applies to uncontested claims only
  • Certification by court of origin
  • Direct enforcement without declaration of enforceability
  • Covers judgments, settlements, and authentic instruments

Brussels I Regulation (Recast)

The Brussels I Regulation (Regulation EU No 1215/2012) establishes rules on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters across EU member states. This regulation provides a comprehensive framework for cross-border litigation and enforcement, including provisions on exclusive jurisdiction, choice of court agreements, and simplified enforcement procedures.

  • Automatic recognition of judgments from other EU states
  • Abolished exequatur for most judgments
  • Clear jurisdiction rules to determine competent court
  • Special provisions for consumer and employment disputes

International Conventions and Treaties

For credits outside the European Union, we utilize various international conventions and bilateral treaties that facilitate the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. These include the Lugano Convention (for EFTA countries), bilateral judicial assistance treaties, and country-specific enforcement agreements. Our team's expertise in international law ensures proper navigation of these complex legal frameworks.

  • Lugano Convention for Switzerland, Norway, Iceland
  • Bilateral treaties with non-EU countries
  • New York Convention for arbitration awards
  • Country-specific legal assistance agreements

Role of Competent Authorities

International credit recovery often requires coordination with authorities in multiple jurisdictions, including courts, enforcement agencies, bailiffs (ufficiali giudiziari), central authorities designated under international conventions, and government agencies responsible for international legal cooperation. Our extensive experience and established relationships with these authorities ensure proper navigation of complex cross-border enforcement processes.

Multilingual Legal Support

Our team provides legal services in English, French, Spanish, German, and Arabic, eliminating language barriers in international recovery proceedings. All documentation, correspondence, and court filings are prepared by native speakers with legal expertise in the relevant jurisdiction.