Exequatur

The exequatur is a procedure under private international law that is required in order to enforce a foreign judgment in the Netherlands. Without such a declaration, a foreign decision has no legal effect in the Netherlands and no attachment or other enforcement measures may be taken.

The procedure is relevant in international disputes, such as those arising from commercial contracts, family-law judgments or cross-border damages claims. The claimant files an application with the court, after which the opposing party may lodge an objection to recognition.

Within the European Union, the exequatur procedure has largely been abolished by EU regulations, although it often remains necessary for judgments from third countries.