(1)

The Union has set itself the objective of creating, maintaining and developing an area of freedom, security and justice in full respect of fundamental rights in which the free movement of persons and access to justice are ensured. For the gradual establishment of such an area, the Union is to adopt measures aimed at ensuring the mutual recognition between Member States of judgments and decisions in extrajudicial cases in civil matters and the compatibility of the rules applicable in the Member States concerning conflict of laws and jurisdiction in civil matters.

(1)

The Union has set itself the objective of creating, maintaining and developing an area of freedom, security and justice in full respect of fundamental rights in which the free movement of persons and access to justice are ensured , in accordance with the Treaties and Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the ‘Charter’) . For the gradual establishment of such an area, the Union is to adopt measures aimed at ensuring the mutual recognition between Member States of judgments and decisions in extrajudicial cases in civil matters and the compatibility of the rules applicable in the Member States concerning conflict of laws and jurisdiction in civil matters.

(2)

This Regulation concerns the recognition in a Member State of the parenthood of a child as established in another Member State. It aims to protect the fundamental rights and other rights of children in matters concerning their parenthood in cross-border situations, including their right to an identity (31) , to non-discrimination (32) and to a private and family life (33) , taking the best interests of the child as a primary consideration (34) . This Regulation also aims to provide legal certainty and predictability and to reduce litigation costs and burden for families, national courts and other competent authorities in connection with proceedings for the recognition of parenthood in another Member State. To attain these aims, this Regulation should require Member States to recognise for all purposes the parenthood of a child as established in another Member State.

(2)

This Regulation concerns the recognition in a Member State of the parenthood of a child as established in another Member State. All Member States are bound to act in the best interest of the child, including by safeguarding the fundamental right of every child to family life and prohibiting the discrimination of the child on the basis of their parents’ marital status or sexual orientation, or the way the child was conceived. Therefore, this Regulation aims to protect the fundamental rights and other rights of children in matters concerning their parenthood in cross-border situations, including their right to an identity (31), to non-discrimination (32) and to a private and family life (33), taking into account the full respect of the principle of the best interests of the child as a primary consideration (34). This Regulation also aims to provide legal certainty and predictability and to reduce litigation costs and burden for families, national courts and other competent authorities in connection with proceedings for the recognition of parenthood in another Member State so that the child does not lose the rights derived from parenthood established in one Member States in a cross-border situation . To attain these aims, this Regulation should require Member States to recognise for all purposes the parenthood of a child as established in another Member State.

(5)

Under the Treaties, the competence to adopt substantive rules on family law, such as rules on the definition of family and rules on the establishment of the parenthood of a child, lies with the Member States. However, pursuant to Article 81(3) TFEU, the Union can adopt measures concerning family law with cross-border implications, in particular rules on international jurisdiction, on applicable law and on the recognition of parenthood.

(5)

Pursuant to Article 67(1) TFEU, the Union is to constitute an area of freedom, security and justice with respect for fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the Member States. Under the Treaties, the exclusive competence to adopt substantive rules on family law, such as rules on the definition of family and rules on the establishment of the parenthood of a child, lies with the Member States. However, pursuant to Article 81(3) TFEU, the Union can adopt measures concerning family law with cross-border implications, in particular rules on international jurisdiction, on applicable law and on the recognition of parenthood.

(8)

While the Union has competence to adopt measures on family law with cross-border implications such as rules on international jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition of parenthood between Member States, to date the Union has not adopted provisions in those areas as regards parenthood. The Member States’ provisions currently applicable in these areas differ.

(8)

While the Union has competence to adopt measures on family law with cross-border implications such as rules on international jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition of parenthood between Member States, to date the Union has not adopted provisions in those areas as regards parenthood. The Member States’ provisions currently applicable in these areas differ , thus leading to legal gaps and creating legal uncertainty for children exercising their rights in cross-border situations which may lead in turn to discrimination and a failure to respect fundamental rights .

(10)

As a result of the absence of Union provisions on international jurisdiction and applicable law for the establishment of parenthood in cross-border situations and on the recognition of parenthood between Member States, families may encounter difficulties in having the parenthood of their children recognised for all purposes within the Union, including when they move to another Member State or return to their Member State of origin.

(10)

As a result of the absence of Union provisions on international jurisdiction and applicable law for the establishment of parenthood in cross-border situations and on the recognition of parenthood between Member States, families encounter difficulties in having the parenthood of their children recognised for all purposes within the Union, including when they move to another Member State or return to their Member State of origin.

(11a)

The non-recognition by a Member State of parenthood established in another Member State particularly affects rainbow families (LGBTIQ+ families) as well as other types of families that do not fit the nuclear family model. This is especially the case where there is no biological link between the parents and the child. This Regulation will ensure that children enjoy their rights and maintain their legal status in cross-border situations irrespective of their family situation and without discrimination.

(13)

This Regulation should not affect the rights that a child derives from Union law, in particular the rights that a child enjoys under Union law on free movement, including Directive 2004/38/EC. For instance, Member States must already today recognise a parent-child relationship for the purposes of permitting children to exercise, with each of their two parents, the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States without impediment, and to exercise all the rights that the child derives from Union law. This Regulation does not provide for any additional conditions or requirements for the exercise of such rights.

(13)

This Regulation should not affect the rights that a child derives from Union law, in particular the rights that a child enjoys under Union law on free movement, including Directive 2004/38/EC. For instance, Member States must already today recognise a parent-child relationship for the purposes of permitting children to exercise, with their parents, the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States without impediment, and to exercise all the rights that the child derives from Union law. This Regulation does not provide for any additional conditions or requirements for the exercise of such rights.

(14)

Under Article 21 TFEU and secondary legislation relating thereto as interpreted by the Court of Justice, the respect of a Member State’s national identity under Article 4(2) TEU and a Member State’s public policy cannot serve as justification to refuse to recognise a parent-child relationship between children and their same-sex parents for the purposes of exercising the rights that a child derives from Union law. In addition, for the purposes of exercising such rights, proof of parenthood can be presented by any means (52) . Therefore, a Member State is not entitled to require that a person presents either the attestations provided for in this Regulation accompanying a court decision or an authentic instrument on parenthood, or the European Certificate of Parenthood created by this Regulation, where the person invokes, in the context of the exercise of the right to free movement, rights that a child derives from Union law. This should not, however, prevent a person from choosing to present in such cases also the relevant attestation or the European Certificate of Parenthood provided for in this Regulation. To ensure that Union citizens and their family members are informed that the rights that a child derives from Union law are not affected by this Regulation, the forms of the attestations and of the European Certificate of Parenthood annexed to this Regulation should include a statement specifying that the relevant attestation or the European Certificate of Parenthood do not affect the rights that a child derives from Union law, in particular the rights that a child enjoys under Union law on free movement, and that, for the exercise of such rights, proof of the parent-child relationship can be presented by any means.

(14)

Under Article 21 TFEU and secondary legislation relating thereto as interpreted by the Court of Justice, the respect of a Member State’s national identity under Article 4(2) TEU and a Member State’s public policy cannot serve as justification to refuse to recognise a parent-child relationship between children and their same-sex parents for the purposes of exercising the rights that a child derives from Union law . To that end, it is crucial that Member States ensure that this Regulation is implemented correctly, that public policy is not used to circumvent the obligations laid down in this Regulation, and that this Regulation is interpreted in accordance with the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union . In addition, for the purposes of exercising such rights, proof of parenthood can be presented by any means (52) . Therefore, a Member State is not entitled to require that a person presents either the attestations provided for in this Regulation accompanying a court decision or an authentic instrument on parenthood, or the European Certificate of Parenthood created by this Regulation, where the person invokes, in the context of the exercise of the right to free movement, rights that a child derives from Union law. This should not, however, prevent a person from choosing to present in such cases also the relevant attestation or the European Certificate of Parenthood provided for in this Regulation. To ensure that Union citizens and their family members are informed that the rights that a child derives from Union law are not affected by this Regulation, the forms of the attestations and of the European Certificate of Parenthood annexed to this Regulation should include a statement specifying that the relevant attestation or the European Certificate of Parenthood do not affect the rights that a child derives from Union law, in particular the rights that a child enjoys under Union law on free movement, and that, for the exercise of such rights, proof of the parent-child relationship can be presented by any means.

(14a)

The Member States, supported by the Commission and the European Judicial Training Network, should organise training for judges, legal professionals and relevant state authorities to ensure that this Regulation is properly implemented and applied.

(16)

Article 2 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child of 20 November 1989 ('UN Convention on the Rights of the Child') requires States Parties to respect and ensure the rights of children without discrimination of any kind, and to take all appropriate measures to ensure that the child is protected against all forms of discrimination or punishment on the basis of the circumstances of the child's parents. Under Article 3 of the said Convention, in all actions by, amongst others, courts and administrative authorities, the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration.

(16)

Article 2 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child of 20 November 1989 ('UN Convention on the Rights of the Child') requires States Parties to respect and ensure the rights of children without discrimination of any kind, and to take all appropriate measures to ensure that the child is protected against all forms of discrimination or punishment on the basis of the circumstances of the child's parents. Under Article 3 of the said Convention, in all actions by, amongst others, courts and administrative authorities, the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration , and the child’s rights must be respected in all situations and circumstances .

(17a)

The best interests of the child should be the primary consideration. The European Court of Human Rights has expressly stated that the best interests of the child reduce the margin of appreciation of the State Parties in the recognition of the child-parent relationship  (1a) , and that the best interests of the child entail the legal identification of the persons responsible for raising them, meeting their needs and ensuring their welfare, and the possibility for the child to live and develop in a stable environment  (1b) . Under the Charter and the European Convention for the protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (the ‘European Convention on Human Rights’), children have the right to private and family life.

(18)

Article 8 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 4 November 1950 (‘European Convention of Human Rights’) lays down the right to respect for private and family life, while Article 1 of Protocol No. 12 to the said Convention provides that the enjoyment of any right set forth by law must be secured without discrimination on any ground, including birth. The European Court of Human Rights has interpreted Article 8 of the Convention as requiring all States within its jurisdiction to recognise the legal parent-child relationship established abroad between a child born out of surrogacy and the biological intended parent, and to provide for a mechanism for the recognition in law of the parent-child relationship with the non-biological intended parent (for example through the adoption of the child) (24)

(18)

Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights lays down the right to respect for private and family life, while Article 1 of Protocol No. 12 to the said Convention provides that the enjoyment of any right set forth by law must be secured without discrimination on any ground, including birth. The European Court of Human Rights has interpreted Article 8 of the Convention as requiring all States within its jurisdiction to recognise the legal parent-child relationship established abroad between a child born out of surrogacy and the biological intended parent, and to provide for a mechanism for the recognition in law of the parent-child relationship with the non-biological intended parent (for example through the adoption of the child) (24). While this Regulation builds on that case law and ensures that the child - parent relationship as established in one Member State should be recognised in all Member States, this Regulation cannot be interpreted as obliging a Member State to change their substantive family law in order to accept the practice of surrogacy. Member State competences must be respected in that regard.

(21)

In conformity with the provisions of international conventions and Union law, this Regulation should ensure that children enjoy their rights and maintain their legal status in cross-border situations without discrimination. To that effect, and in the light of the case law of the Court of Justice, including on mutual trust between Member States, and of the European Court on Human Rights, this Regulation should cover the recognition in a Member State of the parenthood established in another Member State irrespective of how the child was conceived or born and irrespective of the child’s type of family, and including domestic adoption. Therefore, subject to the application of the rules on applicable law of this Regulation, this Regulation should cover the recognition in a Member State of the parenthood established in another Member State of a child with same-sex parents. This Regulation should also cover the recognition in a Member State of the parenthood of a child adopted domestically in another Member State under the rules governing domestic adoption in that Member State.

(21)

In conformity with the provisions of international conventions and Union law, this Regulation should ensure that children enjoy their rights and maintain their legal status in cross-border situations without discrimination. To that effect, and in the light of the case law of the Court of Justice, including on mutual trust between Member States, and of the European Court on Human Rights, this Regulation should cover the recognition in a Member State of the parenthood established in another Member State irrespective of how the child was conceived or born and irrespective of the child’s type of family, and including domestic adoption. Therefore, subject to the application of the rules on applicable law of this Regulation, this Regulation should cover the recognition in a Member State of the parenthood established in another Member State of a child with same-sex parents or of a child in another type of family that does not fit the nuclear family model . This Regulation should also cover the recognition in a Member State of the parenthood of a child adopted domestically in another Member State under the rules governing domestic adoption in that Member State.

(30)

This Regulation should not apply to preliminary questions such as the existence, validity or recognition of a marriage or a relationship deemed by the law applicable to it as having comparable effects, which should continue to be governed by the national law of the Member States, including their rules of private international law and, where relevant, by the case law of the Court of Justice on free movement.

(30)

This Regulation should not apply to preliminary questions such as the existence, validity or recognition of a marriage or a relationship deemed by the national law applicable to it as having comparable effects , such as registered partnership , which should continue to be governed by the national law of the Member States, including their rules of private international law and, where relevant, by the case law of the Court of Justice on free movement.

(36)

In order to facilitate the recognition of court decisions and authentic instruments on parenthood matters, this Regulation should lay down uniform jurisdiction rules for the establishment of parenthood with a cross-border element. This Regulation should also clarify the right of children below the age of 18 years to be provided with an opportunity to express their views in proceedings to which they are subject.

(36)

In order to facilitate the recognition of court decisions and authentic instruments on parenthood matters, this Regulation should lay down uniform jurisdiction rules for the establishment of parenthood with a cross-border element. This Regulation should also clarify the right of children below the age of 18 years to be provided with an opportunity to express their views in proceedings to which they are subject in accordance with the age and maturity of the child as laid down in Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child .

(42)

Where jurisdiction cannot be established based on the general alternative jurisdiction grounds, the courts of the Member State where the child is present should have jurisdiction. This presence rule should, in particular, allow the courts of a Member State to exercise jurisdiction in respect of third-country national children, including applicants for or beneficiaries of international protection such as refugee children and children internationally displaced because of disturbances occurring in their State of habitual residence.

(42)

Where jurisdiction cannot be established based on the general alternative jurisdiction grounds, the courts of the Member State where the child is present should have jurisdiction. This presence rule should, in particular, allow the courts of a Member State to exercise jurisdiction in respect of third-country national children, including applicants for or beneficiaries of international protection such as refugee children , children internationally displaced and victims of trafficking in human beings because of disturbances occurring in their State of habitual residence.

(44a)

In order to facilitate the establishment of parenthood between a child and parent or parents in a cross-border situation and to facilitate recognition of court decisions and authentic instruments relating to filiation, and in order to contribute to the implementation of this Regulation, it is appropriate that Member States, in full respect of their national court structure, consider concentrating jurisdiction for such proceedings in as limited a number of courts as possible.

(49)

Proceedings on the establishment of parenthood under this Regulation should , as a basic principle , provide children below the age of 18 years who are subject to those proceedings and who are capable of forming their own views, in accordance with the case law of the Court of Justice, with a genuine and effective opportunity to express their views and, when assessing the best interests of the child, due weight should be given to those views. This Regulation should, however, leave the question of who will hear the child and how the child will be heard to be determined by the national law and procedure of the Member States. In addition, while remaining a right of the child, hearing the child should not constitute an absolute obligation although it should be assessed taking into account the best interests of the child.

(49)

In accordance with Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Article 24(1) of the Charter, all children have the right to express their views in all matters affecting them, and to have them considered and taken seriously. A child should be provided with the opportunity to be heard in any judicial or administrative proceedings affecting that child. Thus, during proceedings under this Regulation, as a basic principle and where applicable, a child who is subject to such proceedings and who is capable of forming their own views, should be provided with a genuine and effective opportunity to express their views , which should include their feelings and wishes, and, when assessing the best interests of the child, due weight should be given to those views. This Regulation should, however, leave the question of who will hear the child and how the child will be heard to be determined by the national law and procedure of the Member States. In addition, while remaining a right of the child, hearing the child should not constitute an absolute obligation , especially if considered to be against the best interests of the child, although it should be assessed taking into account the best interests of the child.

(56)

Considerations of public interest should allow courts and other competent authorities establishing parenthood in the Member States to disregard, in exceptional circumstances, certain provisions of a foreign law where, in a given case, applying such provisions would be manifestly incompatible with the public policy (ordre public) of the Member State concerned. However, the courts or other competent authorities should not be able to apply the public policy exception in order to set aside the law of another State when doing so would be contrary to the Charter and, in particular, Article 21 thereof, which prohibits discrimination.

(56)

Considerations of public interest should allow courts and other competent authorities establishing parenthood in the Member States to disregard, in exceptional circumstances, certain provisions of a foreign law where, in a given case, applying such provisions would be manifestly incompatible with the public policy (ordre public) of the Member State concerned. However, the courts or other competent authorities should not be able to apply the public policy exception in order to set aside the law of another State when doing so would be contrary to the Charter and, in particular, Article 21 thereof, which prohibits discrimination. When the public policy exception has been raised by the courts or other competent authorities of the Member State, the decision of the court establishing the parenthood should stand until legal remedies at national and Union level has been exhausted and a final ruling has been delivered on the public policy exception.

(66)

Although the obligation to provide children below the age of 18 years with the opportunity to express their views under this Regulation should not apply to authentic instruments with binding legal effect, the right of children to express their views should however be taken into consideration pursuant to Article 24 of the Charter and in the light of Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as implemented by national law and procedure. The fact that children were not given the opportunity to express their views should not automatically be a ground for refusal of recognition of authentic instruments with binding legal effect.

(66)

The right of the child to express their views should be taken into consideration pursuant to Article 24 of the Charter and in the light of Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as implemented by national law and procedure also in respect of authentic instruments with binding legal effect . However, the fact that the child who is below the age of 18 years was not given the opportunity to express their views should not automatically be a ground for refusal of recognition of authentic instruments with binding legal effect.

(75)

Considerations of public interest should allow Member State courts or other competent authorities to refuse, in exceptional circumstances, to recognise or, as the case may be, accept a court decision or authentic instrument on the parenthood established in another Member State where, in a given case, such recognition or acceptance would be manifestly incompatible with the public policy (ordre public) of the Member State concerned. However, the courts or other competent authorities should not be able to refuse to recognise or, as the case may be, accept a court decision or an authentic instrument issued in another Member State when doing so would be contrary to the Charter and, in particular, Article 21 thereof, which prohibits discrimination.

(75)

Considerations of public interest should allow Member State courts or other competent authorities to refuse, in exceptional circumstances, to recognise or, as the case may be, accept a court decision or authentic instrument on the parenthood established in another Member State where, in a given case, such recognition or acceptance would be manifestly incompatible with the public policy (ordre public) of the Member State concerned. However, the courts or other competent authorities should not be able to refuse to recognise or, as the case may be, accept a court decision or an authentic instrument issued in another Member State when doing so would be contrary to the Charter and, in particular, Article 21 thereof, which prohibits discrimination. When the public policy exception policy has been raised by the courts or competent authorities of the Member States, the decision of the court establishing the parenthood should stand until legal remedies at national and Union level have been exhausted and a final ruling has been delivered on the public policy exception.

(76)

In order for the recognition of the parenthood established in a Member State to be settled speedily, smoothly and efficiently, children or their parent(s) should be able to demonstrate easily the children’s status in another Member State. To enable them to do so, this Regulation should provide for the creation of a uniform certificate, the European Certificate of Parenthood, to be issued for use in another Member State. In order to respect the principle o subsidiarity, the European Certificate of Parenthood should not take the place of internal documents which may exist for similar purposes in the Member States.

(76)

In order for the recognition of the parenthood established in a Member State to be settled speedily, smoothly and efficiently, children or their parent(s) should be able to demonstrate easily the children’s status in another Member State . That is an important step to take in order to reduce bureaucracy and increase access to free movement in the Union as a means of promoting equality . To enable them to do so, this Regulation should provide for the creation of a uniform certificate, the European Certificate of Parenthood, to be issued for use in another Member State. In order to respect the principle of subsidiarity, the European Certificate of Parenthood should not take the place of internal documents which may exist for similar purposes in the Member States.

(81)

The court or other competent authority should issue the European Certificate of Parenthood upon request. The original of the European Certificate of Parenthood should remain with the issuing authority, which should issue one or more certified copies of the European Certificate of Parenthood to the applicant or a legal representative. Given the stability of parenthood status in the vast majority of cases, the validity of the copies of the European Certificate of Parenthood should not be limited in time, without prejudice to the possibility to rectify, modify, suspend or withdraw the European Certificate of Parenthood as necessary. This Regulation should provide for redress against decisions of the issuing authority, including decisions to refuse to issue a European Certificate of Parenthood. Where the European Certificate of Parenthood is rectified, modified, suspended or withdrawn, the issuing authority should inform the persons to whom certified copies have been issued so as to avoid a wrongful use of such copies.

(81)

The court or other competent authority should issue the European Certificate of Parenthood upon request of the child (the ‘applicant’) or, where applicable, a legal representative . The original of the European Certificate of Parenthood should remain with the issuing authority, which should issue one or more certified copies of the European Certificate of Parenthood to the applicant or a legal representative. Given the stability of parenthood status in the vast majority of cases, the validity of the copies of the European Certificate of Parenthood should not be limited in time, without prejudice to the possibility to rectify, modify, suspend or withdraw the European Certificate of Parenthood as necessary. This Regulation should provide for redress against decisions of the issuing authority, including decisions to refuse to issue a European Certificate of Parenthood. Where the European Certificate of Parenthood is rectified, modified, suspended or withdrawn, the issuing authority should inform the persons to whom certified copies have been issued so as to avoid a wrongful use of such copies.

(83)

The European electronic access point should allow natural persons or their legal representatives to launch a request for a European Certificate of Parenthood and to receive and send that Certificate electronically. It should also allow them to communicate electronically with Member State courts or other competent authorities in proceedings for a decision that there are no grounds for the refusal of recognition of a court decision or an authentic instrument on parenthood, or proceedings for the refusal of recognition of a court decision or an authentic instrument on parenthood . Member State courts or other competent authorities should communicate with citizens through the European electronic access point only where the citizen has given prior express consent to the use of this means of communication.

(83)

The European electronic access point should allow applicants or their legal representatives to launch a request for a European Certificate of Parenthood and to receive and send that Certificate electronically. It should also allow them to communicate electronically with Member State courts or other competent authorities in proceedings governed by this Regulation . Member State courts or other competent authorities should communicate with citizens through the European electronic access point only where the citizen has given prior express consent to the use of this means of communication.

(89a)

Whenever there is doubt as regards the interpretation of a provision of this Regulation, it is important that national judges use the preliminary ruling mechanism under the Treaties in order to obtain a uniformly applicable interpretation from the Court of Justice of the European Union.

(a)

may be made the subject of an appeal to or review by a judicial authority; and

(b)

have a similar force and effect as a decision of a judicial authority on the same matter;

9a.

‘videoconferencing’ means using audiovisual transmission technology tools enabling persons in a cross-border judicial procedure to participate remotely.

(a)

the procedures to establish or contest parenthood;

(a)

the procedures and conditions to establish or contest parenthood;

(a)

if such recognition is manifestly contrary to the public policy of the Member State in which recognition is invoked, taking into account the child’s interests;

(a)

if such recognition is manifestly contrary to the public policy of the Member State in which recognition is invoked, taking into account the best interests of the child ;

(c)

upon application by any person claiming that the court decision infringes his fatherhood or her motherhood over the child if it was given without such person having been given an opportunity to be heard;

(c)

upon application and presentation of evidence by any person with a legitimate interest under the procedural law of the Member State in which the proceedings are brought claiming that the court decision infringes their parenthood over the child if it was given without such person having been given an opportunity to be heard and present evidence ;

(a)

if such recognition is manifestly contrary to the public policy of the Member State in which recognition is invoked, taking into account the child’s interests;

(a)

if such recognition is manifestly contrary to the public policy of the Member State in which recognition is invoked, taking into account the best interests of the child ;

(b)

upon application by any person claiming that the authentic instrument infringes his fatherhood or her motherhood over the child, if the authentic instrument was formally drawn up or registered without that person having been involved;

(b)

upon application by any person claiming that the authentic instrument infringes their parenthood over the child, if the authentic instrument was formally drawn up or registered without that person having been involved;

(a)

proceedings for a decision that there are no grounds for the refusal of recognition of a court decision or an authentic instrument on parenthood, or proceedings for the refusal of recognition of a court decision or an authentic instrument on parenthood;

(b)

the application for, issuance, rectification, modification, withdrawal, suspension or redress procedures of the European Certificate of Parenthood.

(a)

all proceedings and applications referred in paragraph 1 of this Article;

(b)

lis pendens.

(aa)

the number of applications for the recognition of parenthood submitted under this Regulation and the number of applications that were rejected accompanied by an overview of the reasons for rejection;

(ab)

for cases of refusal to apply provisions of this Regulation due to their incompatibility with the public policy of a Member State, an explanation of the rationale for each case as well as information on any appeals brought against its use;

(ca)

the number of applications for the recognition of a court decision or of an authentic instrument establishing parenthood with binding legal effect in the Member State of origin pursuant to Article 32, and the number of cases in which the recognition was granted;