JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS : ROME III: SWEDISH OPPOSITION NOT YET INSURMOUNTABLE.

• Position: Brief article

The Slovenian presidency is pressing ahead with its efforts to secure agreement in Council on the proposed Rome III regulation, despite deep opposition expressed by Sweden, according to Justice Minister Lovro Sturm.

Sturm, speaking at an informal meeting of justice ministers on 26 January, made it clear that 'together we will try to find a way to go beyond these reservations'. Sweden had reiterated its opposition during the meeting on the grounds that it could not accept the application of foreign divorce law in its courts.

Sweden is becoming increasingly isolated in its opposition. Both the Netherlands and Malta, two other countries that were known previously to have reservations, signalled at the meeting that they do not intend to oppose the text. The proposals would need unanimous support, however, to be adopted into law.

EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini made clear his belief that Sweden has nothing to fear. He noted that a 'public order clause' meant...