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European Small Claims Procedure
The European Small Claims Procedure is a written EU court process for cross-border claims up to €5,000, with a judgment enforceable across the EU.
The European Small Claims Procedure handles cross-border civil and commercial claims worth up to €5,000, excluding interest and costs. It uses standard forms, is mostly written, and does not require a lawyer. It applies across the EU except Denmark.
Unlike the European order for payment, it can handle disputed claims: the court gives the defendant a chance to respond, then decides. The judgment is recognised and enforceable in other member states without a separate declaration.
Since Brexit, it no longer covers claims involving the UK.
Example
A Belgian consultancy is owed €3,400 by a client in Portugal that disputes the final invoice. It files a European Small Claims form, the court weighs both sides’ evidence, and the consultancy is awarded €3,400 plus statutory interest.