Commission Launches Consultation on the Review of the Brussels Ia Regulation

On 1 September 2026, the European Commission launched an open public consultation and a call for evidence as part of the formal review of Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012 (Brussels Ia Regulation).

The initiative seeks feedback on the functioning of the Regulation and on possible targeted amendments to simplify, modernise and clarify the existing framework governing jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. In particular, the consultation will contribute to assessing whether the current rules provide sufficient legal certainty and effective access to justice, while also identifying ways to reduce administrative burdens and facilitate cross-border activity for EU businesses.

The Commission’s initiative follows its recent report on the application of the Brussels Ia Regulation, also noted on this blog, which concluded that the Regulation continues to function well and has generally achieved its objectives. At the same time, the report identified areas where improvements could contribute to simplifying procedures, strengthening legal certainty and adapting the framework to technological developments and evolving patterns of cross-border litigation.

The consultation thus provides an opportunity to consider how the Brussels Ia framework may be further developed in light of practical experience since the Regulation became applicable, as well as more recent developments affecting cross-border civil and commercial litigation.

Both the public consultation and the call for evidence are open for 12 weeks, until 24 November 2026 (midnight Brussels time).

Further information on the initiative and on how to submit contributions is available here.