Harmonisation or Fragmentation of National Law? An East Nordic Perspective

Abstract

Judicial co-operation in civil matters simply means closer co-operation between Member States in order to minimise obstacles arising from the existence of varying legal systems. The current definition and objectives of judicial co-operation in civil matters are, however, a result of historical development. Judicial co-operation was not one of the objectives of the European Community when the founding treaty was adopted. It was first officially included within the EU's sphere of activity by the Treaty of Maastricht. Then, the Treaty of Amsterdam brought judicial co-operation in civil matters within the Community sphere, transferring it from the Treaty on European Union to the Treaty establishing the European Community.