Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

This seminar focuses on family mediation systems in Europe. The ministers in charge of mediation in the different European countries will have the opportunity to present their legislative system and the best practice in their country. One aim will be to adopt common conclusions during the “Justice and Home Affairs” council at the end of 2010.

During the Belgian presidency, the Secretary of State for Family Policy is taking a major interest in family mediation systems in force in the European countries, and particularly in relation to the international kidnapping of children.

In this respect, he is organising, with the support of the Justice FPS, a seminar for ministers on 14 October 2010 from 9.30am to 2.30pm at Egmont Palace in Brussels with the aim of contributing to the development of an international family mediation model to be used in the event of the international kidnapping of children by establishing conclusions and impulses that we think are important to pursue at a European level, even after the end of the Belgian presidency.

All of the European countries and other European consultants have been invited based on their special expertise on the topic or their major interest in this regard. During this morning seminar, each minister will have the opportunity to present their legislative system and best practices on the topic of family mediation. There will also be a Europe-wide debate during the second part of the morning.

One aim will be to adopt common conclusions during the “Justice and Home Affairs” council at the end of 2010.