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CJEU confirms conditional validity of asymmetric jurisdiction clauses under Brussels I Recast and Lugano Convention: Article 25 autonomy governs; enforceable when limited to EU/Lugano courts—significant for financial transactions

Published on: 04 March 2025

Published by a LexisNexis EU Law expert
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Article summary

Societa Italiana Lastre SpA: Request for a preliminary ruling from the Cour de cassation (France) lodged on 22 August 2023—Societa Italiana Lastre SpA v Agora , Case C-537/23 In a nutshell—reinforced legal certainty but questions remain

The court held that asymmetric jurisdiction clauses are to be assessed by reference to the autonomous framework in Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 1215/2012 (the Brussels I (recast) Regulation), rather than under Member States’ national laws, and confirmed their effectiveness where the clause can be interpreted as designating courts within EU or Lugano States.

This development dispels several prior uncertainties, in particular those arising from the shifting case law of the French Supreme Court.

The finer points of the ruling and any practical consequences—especially the requirement that the clause be read as designating courts of EU or Lugano States—call for closer analysis; nevertheless, the Court of Justice has enhanced foreseeability and consistency for unilateral jurisdiction clauses under the Brussels I (recast) Regulation and the Lugano convention.

Alongside other sectors, the decision is notably pertinent to international financing transactions, including syndicated loans and capital markets, where asymmetric jurisdiction clauses in favour of the finance parties...

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