Debt Recovery in Bulgaria and EU.
How to recover debts if the debtor is abroad?

To support creditors within the European Union, the European Parliament and the Council have adopted a series of Regulations aimed at establishing a swift and efficient procedure for debt recovery within the Union. One of these is Regulation 1215/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters, which replaces the previous Regulation (EC) No. 44/2001.

Under Regulation 1215/2012, a judicial decision issued in another EU Member State is enforceable without the need for a declaration of enforceability. Enforcement procedures are initiated directly before the competent local enforcement authority on the basis of:

1. A translation of the judicial decision, apostilled by the foreign court.
2. A certificate pursuant to Article 53 of Regulation 1215/2012 on jurisdiction, recognition, and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. Certificates issued under Article 53 follow a commonly accepted template, found in Annex I to the Regulation.
3. Once the translation and certificate have been obtained, the creditor or their legal representative may file an application with the competent judicial or administrative authority in the debtor’s country. This step is essential to initiate the actual enforcement of the judgment, which may include the seizure of the debtor’s assets, garnishment of bank accounts, or other tools useful for recovering the amount owed.

As lawyers with extensive experience in international enforcement, we are here to assist you throughout this process. Our debt recovery specialists will provide you with personalized legal advice and guide you through the entire judicial enforcement procedure.

The Importance of Specialized Legal Assistance

Each EU Member State has its own internal rules regarding enforcement of debts. Although Regulation 1215/2012 provides a common framework, the methods of enforcement can vary significantly from one country to another. For this reason, it is essential for creditors to rely on professionals experienced in international debt recovery—experts who understand both European regulations and local enforcement procedures.

Relying on a lawyer with specific experience in international debt recovery ensures smoother case management and reduces the risk of delays or complications. Specialized debt recovery lawyers can provide tailored legal advice and handle every stage of the process—from submitting the required documentation, to dealing with the competent authorities, to managing the technical aspects of enforcement.

Debt Recovery in Specific Countries: The Case of Bulgaria

While EU Member States follow the principles of the Regulation, each has its own specific characteristics. Bulgaria, for example, has particular enforcement procedures that may require additional legal assistance to ensure fast and effective debt recovery. Local lawyers can be essential in guiding the creditor through local bureaucracy and determining the most appropriate actions to maximize recovery.

Thanks to extensive experience in international enforcement procedures, our lawyers are able to handle even the most complex situations efficiently, complying with both European regulations and the particularities of individual national legal systems.

In Summary

European legislation has introduced innovative procedures to facilitate cross-border debt recovery more quickly and efficiently, while providing legal certainty for creditors operating in international contexts. By relying on specialized legal advisors, creditors can count on qualified legal support to successfully manage debt recovery even at the international level.