The Concept of Family in The EU Free Movement Law Cover Image

КОНЦЕПТ ПОРОДИЦЕ У ПРОПИСИМА О СЛОБОДИ КРЕТАЊА ЕУ
The Concept of Family in The EU Free Movement Law

Author(s): Dejan Janićijević
Subject(s): Gender Studies, Civil Law
Published by: Правни факултет Универзитета у Нишу
Keywords: spouse; same-sex marriage; civil partnership; family

Summary/Abstract: This paper examines the concepts of spouse, civil partner and partner in European Union (EU) law, particularly in regulations referring to the free movement of persons, criticizing the unharmonized approach to defining family in this context. It argues that the narrow interpretation of the term spouse could lead to discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Likewise, grounding free movement rights of civil partners on host state recognition of such partnerships could lead to the same result, which is not compatible with the equality principle in the EU law. The position of unmarried or unregistered partners is also considered; in particular, the paper analyses the requirement to duly attest durability of the relationship and its impact on the same-sex partners wishing to immigrate to a Member State. The author holds that it is necessary to reconsider the law in this area and adjust it to the EU’s efforts to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

  • Issue Year: LIII/2014
  • Issue No: 68
  • Page Range: 389-406
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Serbian
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