Brussels, 12/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 12 July, EU governments approved the very first enhanced cooperation, assisting “international couples”. The EU Council gave the go-ahead to 14 countries to speed up the implementation of rules allowing international couples to choose the country whose laws should apply in their divorce (see EUROPE 10161). The new rules, which still have to be adopted, will allow couples to avoid emotionally and financially costly proceedings. This is first time in the history of the EU that member states have used the “enhanced cooperation” mechanism. Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding said that the Council vote was “historic” and hoped that “all countries will join so that more citizens can benefit”. (B.C./transl.rt)