EU authorizes signing of UN Ship Sales Convention

The Council of the European Union has made a decision to authorize the signing of the United Nations Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, which was adopted in December 2022.

This council decision (EU) 2024/414 was adopted in Brussels, on 21 December 2023.

The decision entered into force on the date of its adoption.

The Convention, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York on December 7, 2022, aims to bolster the existing international legal framework governing shipping and navigation.

The Council emphasizes the Convention's importance in facilitating harmonious international economic relations. While the Union is actively developing judicial cooperation in civil matters, especially concerning cross-border implications and mutual recognition of judgments, certain matters covered by the Convention fall outside the Union's exclusive competence, as outlined in Regulations (EU) No 1215/2012 and (EU) 2020/1784.

Under the Convention, Regional Economic Integration Organizations may sign, accept, approve, or accede to it if they possess competence over specific matters addressed. Additionally, such organizations are required to make declarations specifying the matters transferred to them by their member states, in accordance with Articles 18(1) and 18(2) of the Convention.

The Council's decision mandates the signing of the Convention on behalf of the Union, subject to its eventual conclusion. Moreover, it approves the attached Declaration, which the Union will make when signing the Convention, as stipulated by Articles 18(2) and 20(1) and (2) of the Convention. The President of the Council is authorized to designate individuals empowered to sign the Convention on behalf of the Union.

This decision, effective upon adoption, underscores the Union's commitment to advancing international maritime law.

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