Press Release: The European Union’s first use of enhanced cooperation to help international couples approved by EU governments

European Union governments have given 14 EU countries the green light to push forward with rules allowing international couples to select which country's law would apply to their divorce. The new rules, which must be approved, will allow couples to avoid emotionally and financially costly proceedings.

This is the first time in the EU's history that countries have used the “enhanced cooperation” mechanism, which allows a group of at least nine nations to implement measures if all 27 Member States fail to reach agreement. The enhanced cooperation will apply in the 14 participating EU countries for now, but others can join at any time.

European Commission: Proposal for a council regulation implementing enhanced cooperation in the area of the law applicable to divorce and legal separation http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/news/intro/doc/com_2010_105_en.pdf

EurActiv, 14.7.10: New cross-border divorce rules for 14 EU countries http://www.euractiv.com/socialeurope/new-cross-border-divorce-rules-1-news-496332

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