Publication and Webinar: ELI Report on the EU Parenthood Proposal

Key Takeaways

• ELI report proposes amendments to EU parenthood regulation.
• Focus shifts to child’s best interests and fundamental rights.
• Aligns proposal with existing EU private international law acquis.
• Integrates women’s rights alongside LGBTIQA+ considerations.
• Webinar scheduled March 12, 2026 for stakeholder discussion.

Summary

The European Law Institute (ELI) released its project report titled “Enhancing Child Protection,” offering constructive amendments to the European Commission’s 2022 Parenthood Proposal (COM/2022/695). The report aims to align the draft regulation more closely with the EU acquis, prioritize the child’s best interests, and broaden the rights framework to include women’s and LGBTIQA+ considerations. Approved by the ELI Council and Membership, the publication is paired with a webinar on March 12, 2026 for scholars and policymakers to discuss the proposals.

Pulse Analysis

The European Commission’s 2022 Parenthood Proposal marked a significant step toward harmonising cross‑border family law within the bloc, yet critics argued it fell short on child‑centred safeguards and gender inclusivity. By convening a dedicated project group, the European Law Institute leveraged academic expertise to scrutinise the draft, producing a report that not only preserves the Commission’s core objectives but also injects nuanced legal refinements. This collaborative effort reflects a broader trend where scholarly institutions influence policy formulation, ensuring that emerging regulations are rooted in established EU private international law principles.

Key to the ELI report is its emphasis on the best interests of the child, a principle enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The proposed amendments recalibrate jurisdictional rules, conflict‑of‑law criteria, and recognition mechanisms to better protect children caught in transnational family disputes. Moreover, the document expands the rights narrative by integrating women’s rights and LGBTIQA+ considerations, aligning the proposal with the EU’s broader equality agenda. Such alignment promises greater legal certainty for courts and practitioners, while reinforcing the EU’s commitment to fundamental rights across member states.

The upcoming webinar on 12 March 2026 provides a platform for legislators, legal scholars, and civil‑society actors to debate the report’s recommendations. Participants can expect detailed discussions on implementation pathways, potential impacts on national legislation, and strategies for achieving consensus among member states. As the EU moves toward finalising the regulation, the ELI’s insights may serve as a catalyst for more balanced, rights‑focused legislation, ultimately shaping the future of cross‑border parenthood and child protection in Europe.