New handbook on cross-border successions

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In an increasingly mobile Europe, managing cross-border inheritance matters can be legally complex and sensitive. To assist legal professionals and notaries across the EU, a new, updated edition of the Handbook on the European Succession Regulation (ESR) is now available.

Prepared within the framework of the European Notarial Network (ENN) and co-funded by the European Union, the Handbook provides practical and accessible guidance on the application of Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, which governs cross-border successions in the EU.

This new edition builds upon the initial version released shortly after the Regulation entered into force. It incorporates over ten years of practical experience from notaries across Europe, offering insights into key areas such as applicable law, jurisdiction, habitual residence, wills, authentic instruments, and the European Certificate of Succession (ECS). It includes illustrative examples and references to relevant case law from the Court of Justice of the EU, enhancing its usefulness for legal practitioners.

The Handbook is the product of close cooperation between notaries, legal experts and ENN representatives from several Member States.

To ensure accessibility across the EU, translations into 19 official EU languages are currently in progress and will be gradually made available on the ENN platform.

This publication is a valuable resource for any professional involved in international successions and contributes to a more coherent and effective application of EU inheritance law.