10.10.2024 : JMCM & CÉRIUM Lecture

The Centre Jean Monnet de Montréal, in partnership with CÉRIUM, is organizing a roundtable titled “Nouvelle forme de famille, liens de parenté et mobilité en Europe “. This event, chaired by Ahmed Hamila (Université de Montréal), will bring together renowned experts to discuss the evolving dynamics and challenges surrounding new family forms and mobility in Europe. Among the panelists, we are pleased to welcome Belinda Dear (Senior Advocacy Officer – ILGA-Europe), Maria Vilar Badia (Legislative Officer, European Commission, Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers), and Marianne Chbat (Principal Research Coordinator – Clinique Mauve). Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn more about these crucial issues and engage with specialists deeply involved in the field.

Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024 Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Location: Online Registration link: https://bit.ly/CJMM-CERIUM

The roundtable aims to explore new family dynamics and mobility challenges in Europe through the lens of liberal democracy, particularly in the context of democratic backsliding observed in some European Union states following the election of populist governments. Specifically, it will examine the European Commission’s policy proposal to facilitate the recognition of parenthood across member states (Regulation on the recognition of parenthood between member states). This initiative seeks to address the administrative and legal obstacles faced by families engaged in cross-border mobility within the European Union. We will reflect on the implications of this proposal for the rights of children and parents, particularly for LGBTIQ families and those involving surrogacy.

The discussion will untangle the legal and socio-political complexities inherent in this proposal, focusing on issues such as the right to mobility, the recognition of LGBTIQ rights, assisted reproduction, and family diversity. We will also explore why this proposal has emerged on the EU’s decision-making agenda, considering challenges related to national jurisdiction over family law and the democratic tensions in some member states.

This roundtable offers an opportunity to understand the driving forces behind this emerging policy, including judicial processes, social movement mobilizations, and spillover effects within European integration. Furthermore, we will consider the international impact of this proposal, highlighting its potential alignment with global norms and debates on the rights of LGBTIQ families and individuals.