07/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 7 July, the EU Council of ministers adopted two pieces of draft legislation allowing member states to conclude bilateral civil law agreements with third countries. The first puts in place a procedure for negotiating and concluding agreements between member states and third countries on competence, recognition and execution of judgments in matrimonial, parental responsibility and maintenance matters, and on the applicable law on maintenance. The other sets up a procedure for negotiating and concluding bilateral agreements between member states and third countries on the law applicable to contractual and non-contractual obligations (see EUROPE 9915). (B.C./transl.rt)