Press Release: EU Justice Ministers back new rules to bring legal certainty to couples in cross-border divorces

EU Member States have endorsed rules that will bring legal certainty to international couples wishing to divorce. The new legislation will give a choice as to which country's rules apply in case of divorce for couples with different nationalities, those living apart in different countries or those living together in a country other than their home country. It aims to reduce forum shopping and to protect weaker partners during divorce disputes. It marks the first time in history that EU countries use the so-called “enhanced cooperation” mechanism, which allows nine or more Member States to move forward on a measure that is important, but which nevertheless is blocked on the basis of the normal voting rules. The political agreement comes just eight months after the Commission responded to a request by nine Member States to propose legislation. Once in place, the rules will apply in 14 EU countries to start with – the remaining countries will have the right to join in the future.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: A first in EU history: enhanced cooperation to help international couples is in force http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-a-first-in-eu-history-enhanced-cooperation-to-help-international-couples-is-in-force/

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