12/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - Mr Klaus Woschnak of Austria has been the new president of the Council of the Notariats of the European Union (CNUE), since 1 January 2007. Given the growing number of cross-border family relationships, Mr Woschnak stresses that “the EU notariats are determined to enhance their actions in citizens' favour, which will involve the CNUE intensifying its experts' participation in the European Commission's working groups”. He cites the example of participation by European notaries in matters relating to succession, divorce law, contract law and mortgage law, as well as corporate law, in particular for SMEs. The new CNUE president was nonetheless critical of the absence of coordinated efforts by the various Commission directorates. He went on to point out that certain operating conditions for legal services are “stigmatised” and “believed to hinder” the internal market and competition. “It is high time”, said Mr Woschnak, “to release this tension in the interests of citizens and for justice to function properly”. (bc)