Cross-Border Recognition of Adoption Decisions in the EU
In Tilburg, as a vibrant hub in North Brabant, EU legislation simplifies the recognition of adoption decisions between member states via Brussels II-bis and the Hague Adoption Convention, with direct relevance for local families.
Legal Basis
- Regulation (EU) 2019/1111 (Parentage Regulation).
- Hague Adoption Convention art. 23.
- Kingdom Act on recognition and enforcement, applicable at the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant in Tilburg.
Automatic Recognition
Adoption decisions from other EU countries are recognised in Tilburg without special procedure, provided subsidiarity has been checked. A certificate from the European Judicial Network is mandatory for registration with the municipality of Tilburg.
Procedure in Case of Resistance
- Exequatur application at the district court in Tilburg (District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant).
- Time limit: 1 month for hearing.
- Grounds for refusal: violation of public order or children's rights.
Practical Examples in Tilburg
An adoption from Poland recognised in Tilburg: direct registration in the civil registry. For non-EU adoptions, the Hague Convention applies with additional verification. Annually, more than 50 EU adoption recognitions are processed in the Tilburg region, often with support from local youth care agencies such as those in the municipality of Tilburg.
Benefits: Rapid integration of the child into the Tilburg community, with access to local schools and childcare.