Final frontier made easier for expat relatives

Emma McClarkin, Conservative MEP for the East Midlands, has given a qualified welcome to EU moves that could end the legal quagmire faced by Britons whose relatives die on the Continent. 



There are presently around 8 million European citizens living in an EU country other than their own. When someone dies in another country the relatives often face a minefield of varying cross-border succession laws. This can lead to lengthy proceedings and high legal costs.

The European Commission proposal wants citizens to be able to choose the law that will apply. This can either be the law of their native country or the law of the land where they reside. The rules, however, do not affect national rules governing inheritance and property.



Speaking from Brussels Miss McClarkin said,

”This proposal is proportionate, restrained and, above all, voluntary. I strongly support the EU’s plans to amend the current legislative system in this area as it would allow the citizen to choose between different national systems.

This is a true cross-border EU matter which has the opportunity to give greater freedom and support to the individual European citizen at one of the most distressing times in life.

Many in the East Midlands have relatives who are residents in other EU countries. I do hope that this proposal, in such a sensitive and personal area of life, will be able to help ease some of the anxiety experienced when a family member dies in an EU country.”