European Union: More Attention To International Couples
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Since more and more Europeans are living out of their country of origin, the EU is dealing with a number of issues related to which country law should apply to property management and to divorce.
“This first use of enhanced cooperation is a big step forward towards an EU that works for its citizens. People fall in love across borders, whatever their nationality. As a result, many international couples need to be certain of the rules that apply in their situation said Vice-President Viviane Reding, Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship.
As per 2007, 13% (310.000) of the marriages that took place in Europe had an international element whilst 41.000 out of the 217.000 partnerships registered had an international element in it. This situation raises a number of issues when a couple separates or when they face patrimonial issues since it is not easy to figure out which country laws applies.
With that in mind, the Notaries of Europe created www.coupleseurope.eu, the portal of the laws for European couples.
The aspect of cross-legislation issues is extremely important since we, international couples, often forget the number of differences we face and legal systems that we cross. An example of conflict of laws?
“A Hungarian man and his Greek wife got married in Greece and lived there for three years after the wedding, then moved to Hungary where the marriage failed after a further two years. In this case, it is not clear whether Greek or Hungarian laws apply to the division of property.” (Source: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-11-175_en.htm#PR_metaPressRelease_bottom).
Still convinced that it is that easy?
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Category: EU and international couples, Europe, Greece, Hungary, Legal, Uncategorized
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