24rd Conference of European Civil-Law Notaries

EU citizenship has been enshrined in the European treaties for almost 20 years. Increasingly, it has become the foundation for the construction of a European Union that is responsive to citizens needs and allows them to assert their rights in the European area of justice. On this basis, the Court of Justice of the European Union has contributed significantly to strengthening EU citizenship in recent years. By adopting the Lisbon Treaty, the Member States have given a strong backing to a Europe of Justice for the citizens by expanding EU citizenship as well as the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

One novel development is the relation between EU citizenship - strongly pursued by the European Commission - and judicial cooperation in civil-law matters. Notaries play a role in the development and implementation of judicial cooperation, acting as a link between the concrete legal needs of citizens and European legal policy.

The European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights is now binding. The 2012 Conference of European Civil-Law Notaries will explore its role and impact on the professional practice of notaries and how notaries can actively contribute to the protection of fundamental rights. 

Three panel debates will address current projects such as the Commission proposals on property regimes.