The Brussels I-bis Regulation (EU 1215/2012) complements Rome II by regulating which court is competent and how judgments on personal injury in regions such as Tilburg are recognized cross-border. Rome II selects the law, Brussels I the jurisdiction, ideal for incidents on busy Tilburg roads or at the university.
Competent Court for Tilburg Cases
Article 4: domicile of the defendant, often in Tilburg or surrounding municipalities. Article 7(2): place where the damage occurs, such as an accident on the Ringbaan or at Spoorzonne. Victims from Tilburg often choose the place of the tort for favorable Dutch law under Rome II.
Recognition and Enforcement
Judgments are automatically recognized in EU countries (except ex parte decisions). No exequatur procedure since 2015. Challenge possible in case of public policy violation.
Practical example: Tilburg judgment on a German accident (Rome II-Dutch law) is enforced in Germany without retrial. Local insurers in Tilburg, such as in traffic accidents on the A58, must pay directly. The District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant in Tilburg handles many such cross-border claims efficiently.
For non-EU countries, national law applies, which causes complications near the Belgian border. Combination with the Hague Convention on forum selection strengthens the position of Tilburg victims.