From 1 July 2025, English Court Judgments Are Recognised in Ukraine under the 2019 Hague Convention

Starting today, Ukrainian courts will recognise and enforce judgments from English courts under the 2019 Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters (“Hague 2019”). This marks a new chapter in UK–Ukraine legal cooperation and provides a streamlined, treaty-based process for cross-border judgment enforcement.

The Convention entered into force for Ukraine in September 2023 and for the United Kingdom on 1 July 2025, making it fully operational between the two countries from this date. It applies to judgments in civil and commercial matters, for proceedings commenced on or after 1 July 2025.

A Shift from Reciprocity to Treaty-Based Enforcement

Previously, recognition of English judgments in Ukraine was based on reciprocity, often resulting in procedural delays and legal uncertainty. Hague 2019 introduces a harmonised framework with limited, clearly defined grounds for refusal. This enhances predictability, reduces costs for litigants, and removes the need to prove reciprocal treatment in each case.

For businesses and individuals, the Convention brings greater confidence when engaging in cross-border activity. It reduces the cost, risk, and procedural complexity of enforcing judgments abroad, and ensures smoother legal cooperation between jurisdictions. Importantly, it strengthens the attractiveness of English court jurisdiction in international contracts, particularly for parties doing business with Ukraine.

Global Reach and Future Expansion

The Convention, adopted under the Hague Conference on Private International Law, now applies in 30 jurisdictions—including all 27 EU member states, the EU itself, Ukraine, Uruguay, and now the UK. It is set to enter into force for Albania and Montenegro on 1 March 2026 and for Andorra on 1 June 2026. Several other countries, including the USA and Israel, have signed but not yet ratified.