This volume provides a complete analysis of all EU-Regulations and Directives on civil procedure. The first part of the book tackles international jurisdiction within the EU, as well as recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in the member States: the general system established in Regulation 44/2001, the particular provisions applicable to matrimonial matters and parental responsibility (Regulation 2201/2003) and, eventually, the rules relating to maintenance obligations (Regulation 4/2009).

The second part is devoted to access to justice and judicial cooperation in the EU. It focuses on mediation as an ‘alternative’ to jurisdiction (Directive 2008/52), the minimum common rules on legal aid (Directive 2003/8), transmission of judicial and extrajudicial documents for the purposes of service (Regulation 1393/2007) and, finally, the taking of evidence in other member states (Regulation 1206/2001).

Lastly, the third part of the volume deals with the legal instruments aiming to strengthen the judicial protection of credit within the EU: the European enforcement order for uncontested claims (Regulation 805/2004), the European order for payment procedure (Regulation 1896/2006), the European small claims procedure (Regulation 861/2007) and the rules applicable to insolvency proceedings (Regulation 1346/2000).

The book is addressed to those academics and practitioners (mainly judges and lawyers) interested in European civil procedure. They will find a fine piece of work, written in a direct and clear style, which intends to be scientifically rigorous, facing the many problems that arise when European law on civil procedure comes into play.