Cross-Border Legal Recognition of Parenthood in the EU

Abstract

This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Petitions, has as its aim to analyse the Commission’s proposal for a Regulation on the recognition of parenthood in the EU. The study examines the problem of non- recognition of parenthood between Member States and its causes, the current legal framework and the (partial) solutions it offers to this problem, the background of the Commission proposal, and its text. It also provides a critical assessment of the proposed Regulation and issues policy recommendations for its improvement.