On 2 December 2024, the President of the Russian Federation approved the Government’s proposal to sign an agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on the procedure for mutual enforcement of judicial decisions (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”).
The Agreement applies to court decisions in civil cases as well as criminal cases insofar as they relate to civil claims. It excludes decisions in administrative cases, cases concerning alimony, arbitration cases, and decisions involving non-monetary obligations.
Judgments rendered by competent courts of one country will be enforced in the territory of the other country without the need for a separate recognition procedure. To execute a decision, it will be necessary to provide a package of documents, including the enforcement order, confirmation of the judgment’s entry into legal force, and copies of procedural notifications.
Bailiffs from both countries will exchange documents through authorized bodies:
- In Russia, the territorial offices of the Federal Bailiffs Service.
- In Belarus, the enforcement departments of the main justice administrations of the regional and Minsk city executive committees.
Thus, the Agreement aims to simplify the process of enforcing judicial decisions, enhance legal certainty, and reduce administrative barriers for creditors in both countries.
Legal entities and individuals in Russia and Belarus should note that the new Agreement covers decisions issued before its entry into force. The Agreement will become effective after both parties complete the necessary domestic procedures.
Legal Acts:
- Directive of the President of the Russian Federation No. 389-rp dated 2 December 2024 “On the Signing of the Agreement Between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on the Procedure for Mutual Enforcement of Judicial Decisions of the Courts of the Russian Federation and the Courts of the Republic of Belarus.”
- Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1585 dated 21 November 2024 “On Submitting to the President of the Russian Federation a Proposal to Sign the Agreement Between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on the Procedure for Mutual Enforcement of Judicial Decisions of the Courts of the Russian Federation and the Courts of the Republic of Belarus.”