Civil judicial cooperation: divorce and parental responsibility

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Mary BANOTTI (EPP-ED, Ire) making some amendments to the Commission's proposal. (Please refer to the document dated 5/11/02.) Other amendments adopted include: -the hearing of the child must take account of the age and maturity of the child and may take the form of a separate interview by an independent, qualified person; -where the procedures in the regulation have been followed, the grounds for non-recognition should not apply to judgments on the right of access and the return of the child; -in all court decisions, the child's best interests must be the primary consideration; -Member States must ensure that central authorities have adequate resources to fulfil the tasks described in the regulation.�