Article 8, paragraph 2 of the protocol provides for the application of other rules provided their effect is to ensure that judgments are recognised and enforced at least to the same extent. This provision was included at the request of the European Commission in the light of regulation 44/2001 EC on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters, which was adopted by the Council of the European Union on 22 December 2000 and came into force on 1 March 2002. The regulation is binding on all EU member states with the exception of Denmark.