EVERYONE IN ROME IN 2005

"All roads lead to Rome". The Conference of the Notariats of the European Union invites you to apply this proverb to the letter in 2005.

The first Congress of EU civil law notaries will be held in Rome on 10 and 11 November 2005. The title itself provides some food for thought: "Notariat without borders: legal security at the service of Europeans".

Open to EU Member States which have a notariat, the Congress will demonstrate our profession's active commitment to the building of a legal Europe as much with regard to the European institutions as to the national authorities to which the various European notariats are answerable.

Through their activities, civil law notaries are constantly in touch with the citizens of the Member States in their professional and family lives. They also work with enterprises - at the point when investments are made - thus participating in the economic life of the EU.

It is therefore up to us to propose any improvements that will help to harmonise international private law rules and to strengthen services provided for European citizens within a Community context.

Aware of the need for balance and transparency in the contracts they receive, civil law notaries provide security. They contribute to the creation of the safe legal framework that is necessary for the harmonious completion of transactions. The notariat constitutes an alternative to judicial proceedings in those Member States that have a notariat as part of their legal system. As a public official, the civil law notary's mission is to prevent conflict. In addition, he/she acts as an impartial and independent mediator, encouraging the parties to find solutions.

The work undertaken during this first congress, which will also involve academics and magistrates, will emphasise certain specific services offered by the notariat to individuals and enterprises. It will also recall the particular characteristics inherent in the notarial profession at the heart of an enlarged Europe and the beneficial consequences that must result from this for the creation of a European area of justice.

This Congress will give European civil law notaries the opportunity to share their experiences and thoughts on the issues raised.

What is certain is that Rome is a magnificent city and the Italian Presidency of the CNUE is happy to welcome you in this prestigious setting.

The Congress team looks forward to seeing you in Rome.

President of the
1st Congress of EU Civil Law Notaries

Claude JAQUET
Civil law notary in PARIS