Bonn (Germany), 24/25 September 2026, Conference International Filiation Law in the EU

Key Takeaways

• EU Parenthood Proposal aims to standardize cross‑border parent‑child status
• Human rights focus includes child's right to know origins
• Proposal addresses LGBTIAQ and women's rights in filiation law
• Central EU registry could streamline birth certificate recognition across member states
• Member states evaluate policy impacts and public‑policy exceptions for filiation

Pulse Analysis

The European Union’s Parenthood Proposal, unveiled in 2024, seeks to close the legal gaps that arise when parents and children reside in different member states. Today’s fragmented approach forces families to navigate a maze of national statutes, often resulting in delayed recognition of parent‑child relationships and uncertainty over child‑support obligations. By establishing a uniform framework for the determination and enforcement of filiation, the proposal promises greater legal certainty for cross‑border families, a more efficient judicial process, and alignment with the EU’s broader agenda of internal market integration.

The Bonn conference brings together scholars, policymakers, and judges to dissect the proposal’s practical dimensions. Sessions on the portability of parent‑child status examine recent CJEU rulings that already hint at a pan‑EU standard, while panels on human‑rights frames spotlight the child’s right to know their origins and the inclusion of LGBTIAQ and women’s rights. A standout discussion centers on a proposed central EU filiation registry, which could replace the patchwork of national birth certificates and simplify cross‑border recognition for both public authorities and private parties.

If adopted, the proposal could reshape the legal landscape for millions of EU families, reducing administrative burdens and fostering social cohesion. However, member states remain cautious, weighing national sovereignty against the benefits of harmonization and debating the scope of public‑policy exceptions. The outcomes of Bonn’s deliberations will likely influence the Commission’s final text and the timeline for implementation. Legal practitioners should monitor these developments closely, as the new regime will demand updated compliance strategies and may open opportunities for cross‑border legal services.