Overview
- Europe’s top court ruled that marriages validly concluded in one EU country must be recognized across the bloc, including same‑sex unions.
- The court found that refusal to recognize such marriages breaches free‑movement and residence rights as well as the right to private and family life.
- The judgment confirms that countries are not obliged to introduce same‑sex marriage into their national law.
- Member states retain procedural leeway for recognition, but they may not obstruct or discriminate, and Poland must apply its transcription system to all marriages.
- The case returns to Poland’s Supreme Administrative Court, which is bound by the EU court’s legal interpretation.