On 28 March 2007, the final text of a new Lugano Convention on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters was agreed upon. The new Lugano Convention will replace the existing Lugano Convention of 1988 between the EC and certain EFTA states, namely Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. The provisions of the new Lugano Convention will be aligned with EC Regulation 44/2001 (the Brussels Regulation). Subject to minor amendments by contracting parties, it is expected to be signed in the first half of 2007.

NOTE: The procedures for ratification by the contracting parties mean that the new Lugano Convention is unlikely to enter into force before 2009.