Press release On the occasion of the European Parliament’s vote on the cross-border recognition of parenthood within the European Union and the introduction of the European Parenthood Certificate

The European Parliament LGBTI Intergroup applauds the landmark decision taken today as the European Parliament voted in favour of the cross-border recognition of parenthood within the European Union and the introduction of the European Parenthood Certificate.

At the end of 2021, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that if one EU country recognises the child’s parental relationship, then all EU countries should do the same to guarantee the child its freedom of movement across the region. This was the first case where the CJEU has ruled on cross-border recognition of parental ties in rainbow families and it will become known as the ‘Baby Sara’ case.

Two years on, the European Parliament has voted on a very important piece of legislation, as it will ensure that a parent-child link legally established in a Member State will automatically be recognised in every other Member State. This significant step forward represents a critical milestone in the ongoing pursuit of equality, inclusion, and recognition of Rainbow families across Europe.

MEP Pierre Karleskind (Renew Europe), Vice-President of the LGBTI Intergroup and shadow rapporteur on the parenthood regulation report, comments:

As we celebrate this momentous achievement, we send a powerful message of acceptance and affirmation to families across the European Union. This is not just a legal victory; it is a victory for love, for understanding, and for the countless Rainbow families who have long awaited this recognition. The cross-border recognition of parenthood is a crucial step towards ensuring that families, particularly Rainbow families, can move freely across EU borders without jeopardizing their parental rights and their children’s rights.

MEP Malin Björk (The Left), Vice-President of the LGBTI Intergroup and LIBE rapporteur on the parenthood regulation report, concludes:

I am happy that the European Parliament today took a firm stance to protect the freedom of movement of all families, including Rainbow families in Europe. With this vote, we affirm that love knows no borders and that every family deserves recognition and protection. We now call on the member states not to block this important legislation.