As previously reported, the Preparatory Committee announced in early June 2017 that the timetable for the start of the UPC would have to be delayed, with a new target start date yet to be confirmed.

Yesterday a message from the Chairman of the Preparatory Committee, Alexander Ramsay was published providing an update on the UPC timetable.  Mr Ramsay notes that progress is being made in several Contracting Member States. In particular in Estonia and the UK; where just yesterday the UK Government laid the orders implementing the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities in Westminster, thereby signalling a firm intent and commitment on the road to ratification.

However, the message also reports that the situation has been made more complex by the pause in the German process due to the complaint lodged in the Constitutional Court concerning the German ratification of the UPCA. There has been little information published on this complaint and it has not been notified to the German government or parliament.  However, the Chairman states that he is hopeful that the issue will be resolved quickly.  With this in mind, he is optimistic that the provisional application phase will start this autumn, with the 3 month sunrise period (allowing registration of opt-outs) starting early 2018, following which the Court can become operational.

A more detailed timetable will be communicated as soon as the picture is clearer.