On 5 June 2026, the EU Council debated the cross-border recognition of parenthood regulation, exposing deep splits over surrogacy. Austria, France, Italy, Slovakia, and others insisted the regulation must not force recognition of surrogacy-based parenthood, citing public policy and fundamental rights. Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain argued all children, including those from surrogacy or same-sex parents, must be covered. Divergences also emerged on applicable law and scope, with Bulgaria warning of 'parenthood tourism' and Poland demanding invariability of law. Several delegations (Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Greece, Poland) floated enhanced cooperation as a plan B; Slovakia and Bulgaria suggested splitting the text. The Cyprus Chair will circulate a redrafted proposal. On the Justice Programme 2028-2034, a partial general approach was reached, with Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and the Netherlands broadly supporting it, though the Netherlands stressed budget restraint. All agreed the child's best interest must be paramount. Affected stakeholders include children in cross-border families, same-sex parents, surrogacy-affected families, national civil registries, and judicial authorities.
Source▶ Watch debate ↗
EU Matrix analysis