Successful Debt Recovery with EAPO: A Case Study

Jan 22, 2025By Geir Dalsbø
Geir Dalsbø

Understanding EAPO: A Game Changer in Debt Recovery

The European Account Preservation Order (EAPO) has been a significant breakthrough in the field of debt recovery. Designed to facilitate cross-border debt enforcement within the EU, EAPO allows creditors to freeze debtors' bank accounts across member states. This tool has proven invaluable for businesses facing challenges in recovering debts from international clients.

One of the main advantages of the EAPO is its ability to prevent debtors from moving or hiding their assets before a court judgment is enforced. This is achieved through a streamlined process that applies uniformly across all participating EU countries, thus offering creditors a reliable and efficient method of securing their financial interests.

A Real-Life Success Story: The Case of A Swedish Tech Company.

A Swedish tech company, a mid-sized technology company, faced a significant challenge when a major client from Netherland defaulted on their payment. With substantial financial implications on the line, the tech company needed an effective strategy to recover the owed amount promptly.

By leveraging the EAPO filed by EU Debt, the company in Sweden was able to secure their claim effectively. EU Debt initiated the process by filing an application for an EAPO with the competent court in Netherland. This strategic move allowed them to freeze the debtor’s accounts swiftly, preventing any further dissipation of assets.

debt recovery

Steps to Implementing an EAPO

Implementing an EAPO involves several key steps, which are crucial for successful debt recovery:

  1. Identify Jurisdiction: Determine the competent court for filing the EAPO application based on your location and the debtor’s residence.
  2. File the Application: Submit a detailed application providing evidence of the debt and the urgency of freezing the debtor’s accounts.
  3. Enforcement: Once approved, the EAPO is transmitted to relevant financial institutions to enforce the account freeze.

It is essential for businesses to understand these steps thoroughly and ensure all necessary documentation is in place to avoid any delays or complications in the process.

legal documents

Benefits and Challenges of Using EAPO

The primary benefit of using an EAPO is its cross-border applicability, which eliminates jurisdictional barriers that typically complicate international debt recovery. Additionally, it provides a quick and cost-effective solution compared to traditional methods, which often involve lengthy legal proceedings.

However, there are challenges associated with the EAPO. It requires precise knowledge of legal procedures and thorough preparation of evidence to convince the court of the necessity for an account freeze. Moreover, it does not apply to all types of debts, such as administrative fines or obligations under family law.

Conclusion: A Strategic Asset for Businesses

For businesses operating within the EU, EAPO represents a strategic asset in managing financial risks associated with international trade. By offering a reliable mechanism for securing assets across borders, it empowers companies like this tech company, to safeguard their revenue streams effectively.

The successful implementation of EAPO in the case of this Swedish company underscores its potential as a highly effective tool in the modern business landscape. As more companies become aware of its benefits, EAPO will likely play an increasingly vital role in international debt recovery strategies.