IP/08/633

Brussels, 23 April 2008

292/ Wave 68.2 – TNS Opinion & Social

Eurobarometer survey on civil justice in the European Union confirms the importance of access to justice for EU citizens

A recent Eurobarometer survey shows that close to three-quarters of Europeans believe that measures should be taken to help citizens gain access to civil justice in other Member States. Citizens would prefer these measures be taken at EU level through common rules. More than 8 out of 10 believe that the EU should assist in the enforcement of civil court rulings in one Member State involving payment to be made in another Member State.

Vice-President Barrot pointed out that: "Europeans are concerned about their ability to access civil justice abroad, or to see a civil court ruling enforced in another country. They look to the EU to ease their path. A recent Eurobarometer survey has produced very interesting results. Our work is to ensure that citizens and companies in one Member State can exercise their rights in another Member State, even in the event of a dispute that crosses national borders."

The objective of a recent Special Eurobarometer survey was to gain insight into the experiences of European Union citizens, their opinions and their preferences with regard to civil justice in the European Union. The idea of European civil justice is to ensure that citizens and companies in one Member State can exercise their rights in another Member State in the event of a dispute that crosses national borders.

This survey examines the extent to which European Union citizens have been involved in civil justice matters in another European Union Member State, what their opinions and concerns are about (access to) civil justice in other Member States and what their preferences are when it comes to harmonising European law and enforcing civil court rulings.

The results underline the need for an information campaign targeting Europe’s citizens. The Special Eurobarometer 292 highlights the fact that getting involved in a civil justice matter abroad is frightening, complicated and an unknown prospect for most Europeans. It cannot be ignored any longer.
Further information on civil justice can be found on:
http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/fsj/civil/fsj_civil_intro_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/civiljustice/index.htm
The Eurobarometer survey is available on the website:
http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/eb_special_en.htm