All EU Member States, with the exception of Belgium and Italy, have now ratified the Hague Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children.
Sweden became the latest country to ratify the treaty in September. The UK deposited its instrument of ratification in July. It will come into force in the UK in November 2012.
The Hague Protection of Children Convention sets out uniform rules on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement for decisions on parental responsibility and measures for the protection of children.
It also establishes a system of administrative co-operation to facilitate the operation of the Convention across international borders.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v1.0.