📖 Legal Explanation

1. Basic rule: The decision must be enforceable

If you have a judgment issued in the Czech Republic, it must be recognized and enforced abroad. In EU countries, this is possible thanks to mutual recognition under the Brussels I bis Regulation.

2. What if you don’t have a judgment yet?

You may still file a lawsuit in the Czech Republic – especially if the contract was concluded or the debt was payable here. Otherwise, you need to follow international jurisdiction rules.

3. Enforcement within the EU

Within the EU, you can use the European Enforcement Order (EEO) or the European Payment Order (EPO). These instruments are designed specifically for cross-border claims. Enforcement is then carried out by the local bailiff or enforcement authority.

4. Non-EU countries

Here, the situation becomes more complicated. You need to check whether the Czech Republic has a bilateral agreement with the country in question regarding the mutual recognition of judgments. Without such agreement, recovery may be very difficult or even impossible.

5. Practical steps

• Find the debtor’s exact address abroad.

• Ensure recognition of your judgment (or file an EPO).

• Contact a lawyer familiar with that country’s legal system.

• Apply for enforcement abroad.

🚨 Case Example

Company P. obtained a judgment for CZK 420,000. The debtor had already moved to Germany. Based on a European Enforcement Order, the debt was recognized by a German court and enforced by a local bailiff. The money was gradually recovered from the debtor’s bank account.

✅ Lawyer’s Advice

Cross-border enforcement is not a lost cause. But it requires legal knowledge and cooperation with experts. If you know where the debtor resides, there’s a good chance to proceed. The key is not to waste time and use the legal tools available – ideally with the support of a lawyer experienced in international debt recovery.