Public hearing on matrimonial property regimes and patrimonial aspects of other forms of union

The Commission is organising a public hearing on matrimonial property regimes and patrimonial aspects of other forms of union on 28 September 2009.

The hearing, which is open to all interested parties, is part of an on-going consultation process. It follows the publication of a Green Paper on the conflict of laws in matters concerning matrimonial property regimes, including the question of jurisdiction and mutual recognition, issued 17 July 2006.

Interested parties must register by 18 September 2009. The number of participants is restricted, and will be accepted in order of registration.

The Commission does not cover any travel and accommodation costs of participants.
For your information, you can click on the following links :

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2006:0400:FIN:EN:PDF
http://ec.europa.eu/civiljustice/news/docs/summary_answers_com_2006_400_en.pdf
http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/news/consulting_public/matrimonial_property/news_contributions_matrimonial_property_en.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/doc_centre/civil/studies/doc/regimes/report_regimes_030703_fr.pdf

Registration form   (Word File 31 KB)

For inquiries, please contact Ms Ewa Kurth : Ewa.KURTH@ec.europa.eu

The Agenda and other meeting documents will be available later.

Green Paper - Effective enforcement of judgments in the European union: the transparency of debtors’ assets

The European Commission adopted on the 06 March 2008 a Green Paper on Transparency of Debtors assets, with the aim to launching a broad consultation among interested parties on how to improve the transparency of debtor's assets in the European Union.

To this aim, the Commission invites interested parties to submit comments by 30 September 2008 to the following address:

European Commission
Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security
Unit C1 – Civil Justice
B - 1049 Brussels
Fax: +32-2/299 64 57
E-mail: JLS-coop-jud-civil@ec.europa.eu

The contributions received will be published on the internet, together with the identity of the contributor, unless such publication is likely to harm his or her legitimate interests. In that case the contribution may be published in anonymous form. Otherwise, the contribution will not be published, and its content will not be taken into account. Contributions will be published on the Commission’s website

All responses from both public and private sectors will be published on the Commission’s internet site unless respondents explicitly state that they wish to keep particular information confidential.

Replies received to the Green Paper

Summary of the responses (PDF File 47 KB)

Privacy Statement (PDF File 12 KB)

The European Commission adopted on the 6 June a Green Paper on the future of the Common European Asylum System.

In this Green Paper the Commission seeks to outline the main issues at stake and invites constructive suggestions from all stakeholders to take these issues forward. The initial deadline for receiving contributions was 31^st August 2007. The Green Paper also stated that a public hearing on the future of the Common European Asylum System would be organised on 18^th October.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the date of the public hearing has been postponed. It will now take place on 7^th November, in Brussels. This makes it possible for the Commission to accept written responses to the consultation launched by the Green Paper until 30^th September 2007. Contributions sent after this date may not be taken into consideration by the Commission.

To this end, the Commission wishes to receive contributions commenting on the actions suggested above, no later than 30 September 2007 (Extended from 31 August 2007).

European Commission
Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security
Immigration and Asylum Unit – "Green Paper on Asylum"
Office LX46
B - 1049 Brussels
E-mail: JLS-asile-livre-vert@ec.europa.eu

All responses from both public and private sectors will be published on the Commission’s internet site unless respondents explicitly state that they wish to keep particular information confidential.

Replies received in reply to the Green Paper

Privacy Statement (PDF File 13 KB)

Following on the Green Paper on the role of civil society in drugs policy in the European Union (COM(2006) 316 Final)).

The European Commission on the 18 April 2007 submitted a report Report (PDF File 143 KB) in which it considered how to organise a structured and continuous dialogue with the Civil society. To that end it explored the practical scope for setting up a Civil Society Forum on Drugs.

Its mission statement will be to serve as a platform for informal exchanges of views and information between the Commission and civil society organisations in the EU, candidate countries and, as appropriate, European Neighbourhood Policy countries.

Its aim will be to increase informal consultation and the input of civil society on drug-related activities, policy proposals, policy implementation and priorities of the EU Drugs Strategy and the EU Action Plan on Drugs.

Organisations interested in joining the future Forum are requested to fill in the attached form and send it before 17 August 2007. Applicants will have to fulfill certain criteria to be eligible.

The first meeting of the Forum will be held before the end of 2007.

All responses from both public and private sectors will be published on the Commission’s internet site unless respondents explicitly state that they wish to keep particular information confidential.

Replies received in reply to the Green Paper

Privacy Statement (PDF File 13 KB)

On 28 November 2006, the Commission adopted a Green Paper on Diplomatic and consular protection of Union citizens in third countries (COM (2006) 712).

In this Green Paper the Commission sets out ideas to be considered for strengthening the right the right of Union citizens to Community diplomatic and consular protection, enshrined in Article 20 of the EC Treaty. This right is taken up in the same terms in Article 46 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Before carrying out the actions needed for this, which call for initiatives on its part or coordination with the Member States, the Commission wishes to launch a wide-ranging public debate with the European Parliament and the Council of the Union and with all interested parties: Member States, NGOs, civil society and European citizens.

To this end, the Commission wishes to receive contributions commenting on the actions suggested above, no later than 30 April 2007 (Extended from 31 March 2007).

These should be sent by e-mail to the following address: JLS-diploconsul-protection@ec.europa.eu

The contributions received will be published on "Your Voice in Europe", giving the name of the authors, unless they wish to remain anonymous or they ask for the entire contribution to remain confidential.

This dialogue will end with a hearing open to all interested parties.

All responses from both public and private sectors will be published on the Commission’s internet site unless respondents explicitly state that they wish to keep particular information confidential.

Summary of the public hearing (PDF File 104 KB)

Replies received in reply to the Green Paper

Privacy statement (PDF File 16 KB)

On 24 October 2006 the Commission adopted a Green Paper improving the efficiency of the enforcement of judgements in the European Union: The Attachment of Bank Accounts (COM (2006) 618) (SEC (2006) 1341 (PDF File 251 KB)).

The problems of cross-border debt recovery risk constituting an obstacle to the free circulation of payment orders within the European Union and an impediment for the proper functioning of the Internal Market. Late payment and non-payment jeopardises the interests of businesses and consumers alike. The differences in the efficiency of debt-recovery within the European Union also risk distorting competition. Community action on this subject therefore needs to be considered.

The Commission intends to organise a public hearing on the subject matter of the Green Paper. All those responding will be invited to attend.

The Commission calls on all interested persons to send in their replies and any other useful contributions by no later than 31 March 2007 to the following e-mail address:

European Commission
Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security
Unit C1 – Civil Justice
Office LX46
B - 1049 Brussels
E-mail: jls-coop-jud-civil@ec.europa.eu
Fax: +32-2/299 64 57

All responses from both public and private sectors will be published on the Commission’s internet site unless respondents explicitly state that they wish to keep particular information confidential.

Replies received in reply to the Green Paper

Privacy statement (PDF File 76 KB)

On 1 September 2006 the Commission adopted a Green Paper on detection technologies in the work of law enforcement, customs and other security authorities (COM (2006) 474). The Hague Programme: strengthening freedom, security and justice in the European Union, adopted by the European Council in November 2004, and the Communication on "Prevention, preparedness and response to terrorist attacks" of October 2004 highlight Public-Private Security Dialogue as a tool for private and public sectors to engage in a meaningful dialogue on Europe's security needs.

The Commission calls on all interested persons to send in their replies and any other useful contributions by no later than 10 January 2007 to the following e-mail address:

European Commission
Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security
Unit D1 – Fight against terrorism, trafficking and exploitation of human beings, and law enforcement cooperation
Office LX46
B - 1049 Brussels
E-mail: JLS-D1-Detection@ec.europa.eu
Fax: +32-2/2967616

All responses from both public and private sectors will be published on the Commission’s internet site unless respondents explicitly state that they wish to keep particular information confidential.

Green Paper on detection technologies in the work of law enforcement, customs and other security authorities (PDF File 190 KB)

Privacy statement (PDF File 67 KB)

On 17 July 2006 the Commission adopted a Green Paper on conflict of laws in matters concerning matrimonial property regimes, including the question of jurisdiction and mutual recognition (COM (2006) 400 (PDF File 188 KB)). On the basis of the Council and Commission Action Plan implementing the Hague Programme on strengthening freedom, security and justice in the European Union, 4 November 2004, this document launches a wide-ranging consultation exercise on the legal questions which arise in an international context as regards matrimonial property regimes and the property consequences of other forms of union. It presents the various aspects of the matter on which there is apparent need for the adoption of Community legislative rules.

The Commission calls on all interested persons to send in their replies and any other useful contributions by no later than 30 November 2006 to the following address:

European Commission
Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security
Unit C1 – Civil Justice,
Office LX46
B - 1049 Brussels
E-mail: jls-coop-jud-civil@ec.europa.eu
Fax: +32-2/295 32 05

Respondents should state whether they object to their replies and observations being placed on the Commission's website.

Green paper on conflict of laws in matters concerning matrimonial property regimes, including the question of jurisdiction and mutual recognition (PDF File 188 KB)

Replies received in reply to the Green Paper

Summary (PDF File 82 KB)

Privacy statement (PDF File 18 KB)

The European Commission has launched a wide consultation, by means of a Green Paper, to explore how best organise a continuous dialogue with civil society organisations active in the drugs field to ensure their knowledge and expertise is taken account in the EU policy-making process, in particular the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Drugs 2005-2008.

Interested parties should submit their comments by 30 September 2006 to the following address:

European Commission
Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security
Unit C2 – Anti-Drugs Policy Coordination Unit,
Office LX46 1/88
B - 1049 Brussels
E-mail: JLS-drugspolicy@ec.europa.eu
Fax: +32-2/295 32 05

Interested parties are requested to mention explicitly if they do not wish their comments to be published on the Commission’s website.

Green paper the role of Civil Society in Drugs Policy in the European Union.

Privacy statement (PDF File 14 KB)

On 26 April 2006 the Commission adopted a Green Paper on the presumption of innoncence, a fundamental right laid down in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. On the basis of the ECHR and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, the Commission has identified some rights that form part of the presumption of innocence such as the right to silence, the right against self-incrimination and the fact that the burden of proof should ordinarily rest with the prosecution. These rights are explored in the Green Paper and interested parties are invited to comment and to make further suggestions.

Interested parties should submit their comments by 9 June 2006 to the following address:

European Commission
Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security
Unit D3 – Criminal Justice
Office LX46 3/20
B - 1049 Brussels
E-mail: JLS-criminaljustice@ec.europa.eu
Fax: +32-2/296 76 34

Interested parties are requested to mention explicitly if they do not wish their comments to be published on the Commission’s website.

Green paper on presumption of innocence

Replies received in reply to the Green Paper

Privacy statement (PDF File 14 KB)

On 23 December 2005 the Commission has adopted a Green Paper on Conflicts of Jurisdiction and the Principle of ne bis in idem in Criminal Proceedings. The Green Paper identifies the current problems and suggests possible solutions. A Working Paper provides a more detailed analysis. Based on the responses to the Green Paper, the Commission intends to present a Proposal for a Framework Decision on the subject in the second half of 2006.

Interested parties should submit their comments before 31 March 2006 to the following address:

European Commission
Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security
Unit D3 – Criminal Justice
Office LX46 3/20
B - 1049 Brussels
E-mail: JLS-criminaljustice@ec.europa.eu
Fax: +32-2/296 76 34

Interested parties are requested to mention explicitly if they do not wish their comments to be published on the Commission’s website.

Green paper: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -     (PDF File 225 KB)

Annex to the Green Paper (PDF File 521 KB)

Replies received in reply to the Green Paper

Privacy statement (PDF File 18 KB)

The Commission has adopted a Green Paper `On the future of the European Migration Network´. The European Migration Network (EMN) was set up in 2002 in response to the need to improve the collection and exchange of information on all aspects of migration and asylum. As the preparatory phase draws to a close in 2006 it is necessary to reflect on the best way forward. The Green Paper shall contribute to that reflection by stimulating a public debate on what its future mandate should be, including objectives, concrete tasks, relations with stakeholders and the best structure in order to achieve these, taking into account the experiences made during the first 3-years. The Commission will incorporate the findings of this public consultation in its proposal for a legal basis for a future EMN to be adopted by the end of 2006.

Responses to the Green Paper should be sent electronically by 28 January 2006 to the following e-mail address: jls-migration-network@ec.europa.eu.

EMN Green Paper (PDF File 160 KB)

Replies received in reply to the Green Paper

Privacy statement (PDF File 77 KB)

The Commission has adopted a Green Paper on a European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection (EPCIP), which puts forward the available policy options for the elaboration of EPCIP. The Green Paper will allow the Commission to gain further insight concerning the future EPCIP and will lay the ground for actions in 2006.

Responses to the Green Paper should be sent electronically by 15 January 2006 to the following e-mail address: JLS-EPCIP@ec.europa.eu.

EPCIP Green Paper (PDF File 235 KB)

Privacy statement (PDF File 74 KB)

Practical information (PDF File 80 KB)

Programme (PDF File 130 KB)

Deadline for registration: 10 December 2005
Registration form   (Word File 93 KB)

The Commission is organising a public hearing on 6 December on applicable law and jurisdiction in divorce matters. The hearing, which is open to all interested parties, is part of an on-going consultation process. It follows the publication of a Green Paper on 14 March 2005.

Green Paper on applicable law and jurisdiction in divorce matters

Replies received in reply to the Green Paper

Study to inform a subsequent Impact Assessment on the Commission proposal on jurisdiction and applicable law in divorce matters

Registration form   (Word File 31 KB)

The Commission would like achieve at an early stage a wide consultation of the actors of the non-profit sector, on the draft recommendations set out in the following preliminary document which does not reflect yet any official position of the European Commission.
The draft recommendations to Member States and the future Code of Conduct for Non-profit Organisations should aim at promoting, on a voluntary basis, transparency and accountability best practices within the non-profit sector with a view to protecting it against the threat of being exploited for the financing of terrorism and for other kind of criminal abuse.

Draft Recommendations (PDF File 239 KB)

Written contributions should arrive before Monday, 19th September 2005 to the European Commission, DG Justice, Freedom and Security, for the attention of Ms Dora Balazs and Mr Nicholas Kaye. The European Commission reserves its right to publish eventually those contributions.

E-mail comments may be sent to dora.balazs@ec.europa.eu and nicholas.kaye@ec.europa.eu before Monday, 19th September 2005.

Comments by ordinary post may be sent to the following address, to arrive before Monday, 19th September 2005:

For the attention of Ms Dora Balazs
European Commission
Directorate-General Justice, Freedom and Security
Directorate D: Internal Security and Criminal Justice
Unit D2: Fight against economic, financial and cyber crime
LX 46 3/154 ; B-1049 Brussels, BELGIUM

Contributions received

Privacy statement (PDF File 64 KB)

Follow up

The European Commission has adopted a green paper on on applicable law and jurisdiction in divorce matters. Its purpose is to consult stakeholders and experts with a view to explore possible future actions. A public hearing is foreseen for the second half of 2005.
The Commission invites interested parties to submit comments before 30 September 2005 to the following address:

European Commission
Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security
Unit C1 – Civil Justice
B - 1049 Brussels
Fax: +32-2/299 64 57
E-mail: jls-coop-jud-civil@ec.europa.eu

Green paper: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -     (PDF File 190 KB)

Annex to the Green paper (PDF File 197 KB)

Privacy statement (PDF File 72 KB)

The Commission has adopted a Green Paper on transnational successions to launch a vast process of consulting all interested circles on all the questions currently raised by successions in the European Union. The Green Paper looks into matters such as the ways and means of removing the administrative and practical obstacles facing individuals wishing to have their status as heir, for instance, recognised abroad. The idea of establishing a “European certificate of inheritance” is mooted.
Replies to the questions in the Green Paper should be sent in no later than 30 September 2005.

Green paper

Commission working document (available only on French) (PDF File 263 KB)

Contributions can be sent to the following mailbox: jls-coop-jud-civil@ec.europa.eu

Contributions received in reply to the Green Paper

Privacy statement (PDF File 69 KB)

Public hearing on 30 November 2006 on intestate and testate succession

On Tuesday, 14th June 2005, the European Commission organises in Brussels a public hearing on an EU approach to managing economic migration, as a follow up of the Green Paper on economic migration. Among the issues to be discussed: the degree of harmonisation for a EU common migration policy, admission procedures for paid and self employment, the rights of the migrants workers, integration, return and cooperation with the countries of origin and transit. Mr. Franco Frattini, Vice-President of the EU Commission responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security, and Mr Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, will open the meeting.

The Hearing will take place at the Charlemagne Building, room S3, 170 rue de la Loi, 1040 Brussels

Programme (PDF File 114 KB)

Deadline for registration: 10 June 2005
Registration form   (Word File 62 KB)
(Please note there is a limited number of places)

The European Commission has adopted a green paper on "An EU approach to managing economic migration". Its aim is to stimulate a public debate with civil society at large, the social partners and the other EU institutions on the need to develop a comprehensive EU strategy on this issue. The Commission will organise a hearing in June 2005 and incorporate the findings of this debate in a policy plan on legal migration for the end of 2005.

Contributions can be sent to the following mailbox: jls-economic-migration@ec.europa.eu

Green paper: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (PDF File 190 KB)

In reply to this Green Paper, the Commission received more than 120 written contributions

On 1 October 2004 the European Commission adopted a Report on the Application of Council Regulation (EC) 1348/2000 on the Service in the Member States of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters including an Annex. The Report has been prepared in accordance with Article 24 of the Regulation.
The Report concludes that since its entry into force in 2001, the application of the Regulation has generally improved and expedited the transmission and the service of documents between Member States. Nevertheless, in the period of adaptation which is still ongoing, many persons involved in the application of the Regulation, in particular local bodies, still do not have sufficient knowledge about the Regulation. Furthermore, the application of certain provisions of the Regulation is not fully satisfactory.
The Commission welcomes all reactions to the Report, and in particular suggestions for possible solutions to the problems with the application of the Regulation addressed in the Report. If possible, reactions should be sent to the Commission as soon as possible before the hearing.
Based on the report and the hearing, the Commission intends to propose amendments to the Regulation during 2005.

Report: COM/2004/0603 final          (PDF File 150 KB)

Annex: SEC(2004) 1145 (PDF File 135 KB)

Discussion paper (PDF File 143 KB)

Registration form:          (Word File 25 KB)

Public hearing on the Draft Convention on Exclusive Choice of Court Agreements

The Hague Conference on Private International Law is in the final stages of preparation of a Convention on Exclusive Choice of Court Agreements ("Convention"). The Convention shall be adopted during a Diplomatic Conference at The Hague which shall take place from 14 to 30 June 2005. The latest version of the draft text of the Convention is contained in the Working Document No. 110 Revised  (fr) of the Hague Conference.
The European Commission is participating in the negotiations of this Convention on behalf of the European Community. To prepare the last round of negotiations, the Commission has published in August 2004 a Consultation Paper  (fr) analysing some of the important aspects of the Draft Convention and seeking reactions from interested subjects.
The Public Hearing will mainly focus on the most important questions raised by the Consultation Paper, but will also discuss other relevant issues raised in relation to the draft Convention. To this end, the participants are requested at the occasion of their registration, to specify issues which they wish to discuss in the course of the hearing.

The Hearing will take place on 31 January 2005 (9h30) at the Centre Albert Borschette, 36 rue Froissart, 1040 Brussels

Registration form:   de - en - fr

Public hearing relating to the Communication on the Fundamental Rights Agency

List of participants to the public hearing on the Fundamental Rights Agency, 25. January 2005  (PDF File 85 KB

Registration form  (Word File 51 KB)

Program:        (PDF File 147 KB)

Communication - The Fundamental Rights Agency:
cs - da - de - et - el - en - es - fr - it - lv - lt - hu - nl - pl - pt - sk - sl - fi - sv   (pdf files)

Working Paper: - fr (pdf file)

Contributions

GREEN PAPER on mutual recognition of non-custodial pre-trial supervision measures.

Green Paper: cs - da - de - el - en - es - fr - it - lv - hu - mt - nl - pl - pt - sk - sl - sv

Staff Working Paper: de - fr - en

Contributions

Future convention on exclusive choice of court agreements for business-to-business transactions

The European Commission is consulting the public on the convention on exclusive choice of court agreements for business-to-business transactions, which the Hague Conference on Private International Law is preparing. It would like to receive replies to a set of questions contained in the attached consultation paper. Also attached is the draft text produced by the two special commissions of the conference (Working Document n°110 revised). The European Commission is taking part in the negotiations of this convention on behalf of the EU. One of the main challenges is to achieve a convention which will have a positive effect on our commercial relations with our partners without endangering the interests of our business community and the public policy of the EU.

Replies and other comments should be sent by 15 November 2004 to:
European Commission, Directorate-General for Justice and Home Affairs, unit C1
1049 Brussels, Belgium. Fax : + 32 (0) 2 299 64 57
e-mail : jls.coop.jud.civil@ec.europa.eu

EN: Consultation on the draft Hague Choice of Court Convention - Work document.

FR: Consultation sur le projet de Convention de La Haye sur les clauses d'Election de For - Document de consultation.

European Union Action Plan on Drugs 2005 - 2008

The Commission is preparing a communication on the EU action plan on drugs 2005 – 2008. The action plan will be based on the EU Drug Strategy 2005 – 2012, which is currently under discussion in the EU Council of ministers. The strategy will provide a political framework on drug related activities and set the aims and priorities for EU drug policies. The purpose of the Action Plan is to turn the Strategy into concrete, measurable actions for achieving these aims (more).

Summary of the informal consultation

GREEN PAPER on the approximation, mutual recognition and enforcement of criminal sanctions in the European Union ( FR )

Green Paper: da - de - el - en - es - fi - fr - it - nl - pt - sv

Contributions

Public hearing on Maintenance obligations on 2 June 2004

Green paper on Maintenance obligation, COM (2004) 254 final of 15/04/2004
DA, DE, EN, EL, ES, FI, FR, IT, NL, PT, SV

Answers to the Green paper (PDF File 183 KB)

Consultation of Visa Information System (VIS)

Interactive Policy Making (IPM) EN - FR - DE : As part of an Extended Impact Assessment the Commission invites comments from all interested parties as part of the preparation of a proposal for a regulation foreseen in the second half of 2004.

The European Commission is consulting the public in view of presenting a proposal for a Council regulation to establish a Visa Information System (VIS...More)

Council Conclusions on the development of the Visa Information System (VIS)

Privacy Statement

Alternative dispute resolution - Community law

As part of the follow-up to the Green Paper, the Commission services are inviting comments from all interested parties on a preliminary draft text, as part of the preparations for the presentation of a proposal for a directive foreseen for September 2004.

More... (Pdf - 88 KB)

Hearing on the "Rome I" Green Paper

Green Paper on the Conversion of the Rome Convention of 1980 on the law applicable to contractual obligations into a Community instrument and its modernisation (COM (2002) 654 final)

• Agenda
• Discussion Paper
• Registration form
• Replies to the "Rome I" Green Paper

Request for the floor: If you would like to intervene on the theme below, please return this form, as soon as possible - duly completed

• Theme 1: Performance and interest of Rome Convention / Rome I instrument
• Theme 2: Party autonomy
• Theme 3: General rule of Article 4
• Theme 4: Consumer contacts
• Theme 5: Employment contracts
• Theme 6: Insurance contracts
• Theme 7: Financial services
• Theme 8: Any other business

"Hearing on measures to simplify and speed up small claims litigation"

Green paper on a european order for payment procedure and on measures to simplify and speed up small claims litigation

• Discussion paper (pdf 100, KB) fr, de
• Registration form (doc 19 KB)