HCCH Monthly Update: March 2026

Key Takeaways

• Guatemala becomes 93rd HCCH member
• 2019 Judgments Convention effective for Albania, Montenegro
• 2005 Choice of Court Convention now binding Monaco
• CGAP meeting gathered 560 participants, set 2026 work programme
• Upcoming e-APP Forum scheduled for May in Marrakesh

Summary

The Hague Conference on Private International Law welcomed Guatemala as its 93rd member on 4 March 2026, expanding the organization’s global reach. On the same day the 2019 Judgments Convention entered into force for Albania and Montenegro, while Monaco ratified the 2005 Choice of Court Convention, bringing the total signatories to 38 states and the EU. The Council on General Affairs and Policy convened a hybrid meeting of 560 participants, setting the work programme for 2026, and a series of regional workshops and online meetings continued to promote implementation of existing conventions. The HCCH also announced its 2025 Annual Report and opened registration for the 14th e‑APP Forum in May 2026.

Pulse Analysis

The Hague Conference’s latest membership expansion underscores a broader trend of nations seeking harmonized private international law solutions. Guatemala’s accession not only raises the HCCH’s membership to 93 but also signals growing interest from Latin America in streamlined cross‑border legal processes. As global supply chains become more intricate, consistent rules on jurisdiction and judgment recognition are essential for reducing litigation costs and fostering trade confidence.

The activation of the 2019 Judgments Convention for Albania and Montenegro, alongside Monaco’s ratification of the 2005 Choice of Court Convention, illustrates the incremental but steady adoption of modern legal instruments. These conventions address critical pain points such as enforcing foreign judgments and determining competent courts, which are vital for multinational corporations navigating diverse regulatory environments. By expanding the network of states bound by these treaties, the HCCH enhances predictability for investors and legal practitioners alike.

Looking ahead, the HCCH’s calendar of events—including the CGAP meeting, regional workshops in Africa, and the upcoming e‑APP Forum in Marrakesh—provides platforms for stakeholders to exchange best practices and shape future legislative initiatives. The publication of the 2025 Annual Report offers transparency on progress, while new internship opportunities signal a commitment to cultivating the next generation of private international law experts. Collectively, these activities reinforce the HCCH’s role as a catalyst for legal certainty in an increasingly interconnected global economy.