Press Release: Lithuania is the 15th EU Member State to sign up to new rules helping international couples

Lithuania has announced its decision to join the enhanced cooperation procedure allowing international couples to select which country's law applies to their divorce. The EU adopted its first decision on enhanced cooperation two years ago.

It will enter into application end June 2012. Enhanced cooperation allows a group of at least nine member states to implement measures if all 27 Member States fail to reach an agreement. In this case, it allows the 14 participating countries1 and now Lithuania, to move forward with a Regulation that will give couples legal certainty and prevent a "rush to court" and forum shopping in divorces, while at the same time avoiding emotionally and financially costly proceedings.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Commission proposes clearer property rights for Europe's 16 million international couples http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-commission-proposes-clearer-property-rights-for-europes-16-million-international-couples/

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