Digital Communication in EU Civil Procedure: With an Emphasis on the Electronic Service of Documents and Taking of Evidence

This book examines how various methods of digital communication have entered the domain of EU Civil Procedure, with a primary focus on the service of documents, electronic submissions, the taking of evidence, and videoconferencing. It offers a comprehensive overview of legal issues surrounding the use of digital technology in the aforementioned areas and draws insight from the national legal doctrines of 15 EU Member States and select candidate countries.

On the one hand, the research employs the comparative legal method to draw conclusions on commonalities and differences, as well as prospects for future approximation of laws. On the other hand, the book addresses open issues at the EU (supranational) level. The research is rooted in the observation that a paradigm shift from traditional to digital means of communication between courts and other judicial partakers is currently taking place. This shift is manifested through a variety of technologies and affects a wide legal landscape. The EU is heralding the incorporation of these developments in its latest legislation on cross-border disputes.

The research deals with analyzing both existing (digital and traditional) and prospective means of communication in national and cross-border disputes. The book identifies problems in the national and EU legal frameworks and provide potential solutions for tackling these problems in the current or assess prospects for future developments.