On 18 November 2026, the final conference of the European project iCare2 – Advancing International Family Mediation in Europe: Evidence, Practice and Policy Development will take place in Brussels. The event will bring together representatives of European and national institutions, legal professionals, family mediators, specialised organisations and other stakeholders working on cross-border family disputes.

The event is hosted by the Northern Ireland Executive Office and organised by Missing Children Europe and Defence for Children International Italy, together with project partners Law and Internet Foundation (Bulgaria), Droit d’Enfance – ISS France and ITAKA (Poland), as well as the University of Genoa, the Jagiellonian University of Kraków and the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines.

The conference will provide an opportunity to present the project’s main achievements and discuss the future of international family mediation in Europe.

Building on the previous iCare project, iCare2 supports the implementation of EU Regulation 2019/1111, known as Brussels IIb, concerning jurisdiction, the recognition and enforcement of decisions in matrimonial matters and matters of parental responsibility, as well as international child abduction.

The project aims to strengthen international family mediation by promoting approaches that place children’s rights and best interests at the centre of cross-border family disputes. One of its key outcomes has been the establishment of pre-mediation desks in the four partner countries – Bulgaria, France, Italy and Poland – providing families with dedicated points of reference and support.

The conference programme will explore the project’s results and the challenges and opportunities for the future of international family mediation.

Following the institutional welcome and opening remarks, the event will present the iCare2 project recommendations and EU Guidelines, with a contribution from Professor Laura Carpaneto of the University of Genoa.

The morning sessions will focus on cross-border family mediation experiences in the partner countries and on the practical implementation of the Brussels IIb Regulation, bringing together perspectives from judicial authorities, legal professionals and mediators.

In the afternoon, discussions will turn to the development of EU policies on parental child abduction, access to mediation and children’s rights, with contributions from representatives of the European Parliament and the European Commission.

The final session will look ahead to future approaches to preventing international child abduction, improving access to mediation and ensuring the effective protection of children’s rights. Researchers and practitioners from across Europe will share their perspectives and expertise.

The conference will be an important opportunity to reflect on the work carried out through iCare2 and strengthen cooperation between institutions, professionals and specialised organisations. The shared goal is to ensure that international family mediation becomes more effectively recognised and integrated into national and European frameworks, always in line with the rights and best interests of the child.