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Europe aims to simplify divorce laws
Thu 25 Mar 2010
The European Commission has outlined plans to simplify the law in divorce cases in which each spouse comes from a different EU member state.
Under the new proposals, couples would be able to decide which nation's law will apply to the divorce, as long as one person has a connection to that country.
According to the European Commission, this would give international couples more control over their divorce and protect weaker partners during divorce disputes.
Viviane Reding, commissioner for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship at the EU, said many international couples can encounter "arbitrary legal problems" throughout the divorce process.
This, she stated, can make each spouse's lives more difficult and turn divorce proceedings into a "financial and emotional disaster".
Ms Reding added that the new rules would be clearer and allow estranged couples to know where they stand.
Official figures show that about 300,000 international marriages take place within the EU every year.
The UK Independence Party (Ukip) has criticised the proposals, saying they represent a "massive intrusion" into family life.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Ukip MEP Nigel Farage added that the draft legislation represents "further meddling" from the EU.
