Hungary: Simplification of Hungarian civil procedure expected

The new Hungarian Code of Civil Procedure has been in force for two years, and the Hungarian legislator has just decided to simplify and rationalise its strict formalistic approach. The proposal on modification was submitted to Parliament on 13 October 2020, and the general debate on the proposal was initiated on 21 October 2020.

The proposal’s objective is to simplify the rules of civil procedure and make it more flexible. For lawsuits, the legislator plans to simplify mandatory elements and formal requirements (e.g. the specific provisions regarding legal entities’ legal capacity no longer apply, formal requirements regarding joinder of actions will be simplified, etc.). Furthermore, claimants will have broader opportunities to remedy deficiencies in their complaints without risking dismissal on formal grounds.  

The mandatory elements of statements of defence will also be simplified and rationalized. 

There will also be major simplifications in the phase of hearing the case on its merits. It will be easier to amend complaints and statements of defence (e.g. amending the statement of the facts will no longer be considered amending the  complaint or statement of defence, and the circumstances under which amendments and subsequent submission of evidence are permissible will be broadened, etc.). 

The proposal has not yet been accepted by Parliament, i.e. the final content of the modification is not yet known. According to Parliament’s website, two modification proposals have been submitted. We will keep you informed regarding further developments.