Press Release: The Commission launches a public debate on transnational successions

The European Commission on 23 February 2005 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.