A notice of meeting published by the Council of the European Union on 24 July 2026 schedules a meeting of the Working Party in Civil Law Matters (Parenthood) for 2 and 3 September 2026 in Brussels. The agenda includes an exchange of views on the Presidency's revised text of a proposed Council Regulation on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition of decisions and acceptance of authentic instruments in matters of parenthood, as well as the creation of a European Certificate of Parenthood.
The meeting, set for 10:00 in the Justus Lipsius Building, will focus on Chapters I to V of the revised text, which is contained in document 12097/26. The format is listed as 2+2, indicating two days of discussions with two sessions per day. Delegations are required to register their presence via the Delegates Portal, where Council documents are also available.
The proposed regulation aims to harmonise rules on cross-border recognition of parenthood within the EU, addressing legal uncertainties for families moving between member states. The European Certificate of Parenthood would provide a standardised document to facilitate the recognition of parental status across borders.
No prior coverage of this file exists in the last 180 days, making this the first public indication of the Council's work on the revised text. The exchange of views in September will allow member state delegates to provide input on the revised provisions before the text proceeds further through the legislative process. The Council's Legal Service and the Commission are expected to participate in the discussions.
The regulation, once adopted, would have significant implications for families, particularly those with children born through surrogacy, adoption, or same-sex partnerships, by ensuring that parental status established in one member state is recognised in all others. It also impacts national authorities responsible for civil status records and family law, as well as legal practitioners dealing with cross-border family matters.
Following the working party meeting, the revised text may be submitted to the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) for further consideration, and eventually to the Council for adoption, likely after consultation with the European Parliament. The timeline for final adoption remains uncertain, but the September meeting marks a key step in advancing the file.