Brussels, 17/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - The members of the European Parliament's committee on civil liberties voted on Tuesday 16 September in favour of the draft regulation clarifying the rules on cross-border divorces (Rome III). This text is designed to enable divorcing couples to choose the competent court and applicable legislation within well defined conditions, in particular to avoid lawsuits. The civil liberties committee, which was consulted on this dossier, proposed amendments to the initial proposal by adopting the report by Evelyne Gebhardt (PES, Germany). MEPs' amendments place the emphasis on the need to inform the spouses of the concrete repercussions of their choices, and are designed to ensure that complete and reliable information is given to them before they sign divorce papers. A vote in plenary is scheduled for the second October session. Within the Council of the EU the proposal on Rome III has met opposition from Sweden and unanimity is required for it to be passed. The Commission is currently considering launching the first enhanced cooperation in an attempt to move forward (EUROPE 9739). (B.C./transl.fl)