Save the Date: 24/25 September 2026, International Filiation Law in the EU

Key Takeaways

• Conference dates: 24‑25 Sept 2026, Bonn
• Focus: EU Parenthood Proposal analysis
• Speakers include EU justice ministry and academics
• Addresses cross‑border child protection and filiation
• Open to legal professionals and scholars

Summary

The International Filiation Law conference will convene on 24‑25 September 2026 at the University of Bonn. It will scrutinise the EU Parenthood Proposal, exploring academic and political reactions within a human‑rights and EU‑law framework. A diverse roster of speakers—from the German Federal Ministry of Justice to leading scholars across Europe—will present their perspectives. The event invites practitioners, scholars, and anyone interested in cross‑border child protection to join the dialogue.

Pulse Analysis

The EU Parenthood Proposal, introduced in 2022, seeks to harmonise rules on parental responsibility and child protection across member states, addressing the fragmented legal landscape that complicates cross‑border families. While the draft aims to streamline jurisdictional conflicts, critics argue it must balance state sovereignty with fundamental human‑rights standards. Understanding these tensions is essential for lawyers, policymakers, and NGOs navigating the evolving regulatory environment.

The Bonn conference serves as a pivotal forum for dissecting these complexities. Featuring officials from the German Federal Ministry of Justice, scholars from Spain, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond, the agenda blends legal theory with practical policy considerations. Sessions will map the proposal’s alignment with existing EU directives, assess its compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights, and propose amendments grounded in comparative law. Such interdisciplinary dialogue is rare and can catalyse concrete recommendations for legislators.

Beyond academic debate, the outcomes of this gathering could directly affect families navigating cross‑border custody, adoption, and parental rights. Harmonised standards promise reduced litigation costs and clearer pathways for children’s welfare, while also prompting national courts to adapt procedural norms. Stakeholders monitoring the conference will gain early insight into potential legislative refinements, positioning them to influence the final shape of EU filiation law and to advise clients accordingly.