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European Civil Law



Common rules, principles and projects concerning civil law in the European Union

General Part Law of Obligations: general rules Contracts Non contractual obligations Family Law Law of Succession Property law Civil Codes



Warning: a European civil code is not yet a reality; however, while that does not happen, we expose a set of rules within the European Union to govern choice of law in civil and commercial matters as well as projects that aim to unify civil law


Family Law

Family law in matters of jurisdiction     Conflict of laws - divorce and legal separation    

Family law is the competence of EU countries, and EU rules apply only in cross-border cases. However, the EU can legislate on family law if there are cross-border implications. A special legislative procedure is in place for such situations: all EU countries have to agree (unanimity) and the European Parliament must be consulted.

Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1111 of 25 June 2019
on jurisdiction, the recognition and enforcement of decisions in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility, and on international child abduction

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/lega...

Council Regulation (EC) No 4/2009 of 18 December 2008
on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions and cooperation in matters relating to maintenance obligations

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/lega...

Council Regulation (EU) 2016/1103 of 24 June 2016
implementing enhanced cooperation in the area of jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition and nforcement of decisions in matters of matrimonial property regimes


https://eur-lex.europa.eu/lega...

Council Regulation (EU) 2016/1104 of 24 June 2016
implementing enhanced cooperation in the area of jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition and enforcement of decisions in matters of the property consequences of registered partnerships

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/lega...