EU’s Initiative to Recognize Parental Rights Across Member States

MEPs will this week decide on a query for the Council and the Commission on the establishment of a European Certificate of Parenthood. 

The matter will be debated in Brussels by the committee on legal affairs (JURI).

The S&D Group says it has long advocated the recognition of parental rights across the EU, regardless of how the child was born or the type of family they belong to.

It says this is particularly crucial for same-sex couples and their children, as they still encounter difficulties when it comes to their right to maintenance and succession, or schooling and education, when moving to another member state.

The proposal for the regulation aims to protect the fundamental rights of children and provide legal certainty for all types of families by ensuring that parental relations established in one member state are also recognised in other EU country.

A S&D source said,

It is time for the Council to unblock the European Certificate of Parenthood so the rights of couples and children are respected across Europe.

“Online short-term rental platforms have boosted the tourism sector, but have also led to the so-called ‘touristification’ of cities and local communities.

This is why, on 18 February, the members of the internal market and consumer protection committee (IMCO) will host a public hearing on housing rentals and consumers protection.

Several representatives, including the mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni Cuadrado, will participate in this hearing.

They will discuss how short-term rentals are affecting housing affordability and livability. 

The S&D spokesman added, “Affordable and decent homes for all is our indisputable priority and this is why, during the past mandate, we worked on the legislation that aims to give public authorities the necessary data that will help to regulate the situation.

“It is time to hear how those on the ground deal with a sector that continues to boom.”

Meanwhile, the annual European Parliamentary Week will take place on Monday and Tuesday, bringing MEPs together with MPs from member states and EU candidate countries.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will open the event, together with the Marshals of Poland’s Sejm and Senate, Szymon Hołownia and Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, respectively.

Over the event’s two days, participants will discuss the overarching economic, budgetary, and social issues facing Europe and will delve more specifically into the following themes:

• The economic and monetary affairs committee meeting will focus on:
• The future of Banking Union and Capital Markets Union;
• Creating an ecosystem for European investments.