The meeting has been a step forward in the eponymous ELI project, coordinated by Elena Bargelli, Anatol Dutta and François Trémosa. The project revolves around the cross-border dimension of in-court and out-of-court litigation in family and succession matters within EU Member States. The main aim of the Reporters is overseeing the process of increasing dejudicialisation in both family and succession law and distilling policy guidelines.

The Conference consisted of four panels, each of which was chaired by a project participant. Following the welcome addresses of the University of Pisa’s Rector, Paolo Mancarella, Anatol Dutta introduced jurisdiction issues; François Trémosa launched the discussion on recognition; Elena Bargelli gave a speech on minimum standards; and member of the Advisory Committee (AC), Camelia Toader, chaired the panel on preliminary reference.

The four panels witnessed a fruitful exchange between the chairs, who participated in person, and the participants, mainly members of the AC and of the Members Consultative Committee of the ELI project, who tuned in remotely. The discussion proved to be a unique opportunity to reinforce the foundations and aims of the inquiry and to chart the way ahead of the project.

After playing an active part in the Conference in the Sala dei Cherubini of the Rectorate Palace in Pisa, the speakers who attended physically enjoyed a visit to the historical premises of the University of Pisa and a typical Tuscanian meal with members of the Conference’s Organising Committee.