Regulation of a European Small Claims Procedure has been intended to simplify and speed up litigation concerning small claims in cross-border cases, and to reduce costs. The European Small Claims Procedure shall be available to litigants as an alternative to the procedures existing under the laws of the Member States.

This Regulation (EC) No 861/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council shall apply, in cross-border cases, to civil and commercial matters, whatever the nature of the court or tribunal, where the value of a claim does not exceed EUR 2000 at the time when the claim form is received by the court or tribunal with jurisdiction, excluding all interest, expenses and disbursements. It shall not extend, in particular, to revenue, customs or administrative matters or to the liability of the State for acts and omissions in the exercise of State authority (acta jure imperii).

You can start the small claims procedure by filling in this form (in English or any other language if you choose so). The procedure should not take more than 74 days, as it is based on documents send by mail. So, the both sides do not need to meet face to face at the court (this would happen in special curcumstances).

TO LEARN MORE see the attached guide prapared by ECC UK including detailed information and contacts for UK residents.

You can see the whole text of the Regulation here.