What Changed
- Qatar became the 95th HCCH Member on 17 September 2026.
- Moldova and Montenegro acceded to the 2007 Child Support Convention and 2000 Protection of Adults Convention, respectively.
- The CBDC Experts' Group continued analyzing cross-border jurisdiction and applicable law issues during its sixth working meeting.
Legal professionals, judiciary members, and cross-border institutions face an evolving private international law landscape following updates published by the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) for September and October 2026.
**Membership and Treaty Accessions**
On 17 September 2026, Qatar deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Statute, becoming the 95th Member of the HCCH. This represents Qatar's first formal connection with the HCCH, bringing the total number of connected States and Parties to 160.
In treaty developments, the Republic of Moldova acceded to the 2007 Child Support Convention on 16 September 2026. With this accession, 56 States and the European Union are bound by the instrument, which will enter into force for Moldova on 22 September 2027. Additionally, Montenegro acceded to the 2000 Protection of Adults Convention on 13 October 2026, becoming its 17th Contracting Party; the convention will enter into force for Montenegro on 1 August 2027.
**Expert Groups and Judicial Training**
From 1 to 4 September 2026, the Experts' Group (EG) on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) held its sixth working meeting to advance its study on jurisdiction and applicable law issues involved in cross-border CBDC transfers and payments.
On 24 and 25 September 2026, the HCCH Permanent Bureau, in cooperation with the European Judicial Training Network, provided training on core family law conventions to judges and court officials from 22 EU Member States. Furthermore, on 15 October 2026, the HCCH co-hosted an online Joint Dialogue with the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) on public access to legal information.
**Upcoming Events and Vacancies**
The HCCH Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific will host a Zoom webinar titled "The 2005 Choice of Court Convention: Expanding Participation in Asia and the Pacific" on 9 November 2026 (4.00–5.30 p.m. Hong Kong time; registration closes 6 November 2026 at 5.00 p.m. CET). A conference titled "Training Tomorrow's Lawyers" in sponsorship of INCADAT will take place in London on 14 January 2027. Applications for legal internships covering March to September 2027 close on 9 November 2026.
Who May Be Affected
Legal professionals, judges, court officials, policy makers, international financial institutions, and families in HCCH connected states including EU Member States, Qatar, Moldova, and Montenegro.
Cross-Border Context
Reflects expanding treaty membership across Europe and the Middle East, training for EU judicial officers, and Asia-Pacific regional engagement on choice of court agreements.
What to check next
- Verify the HCCH Status Tables for official entry-into-force dates and declarations under the 2007 Child Support and 2000 Protection of Adults Conventions.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.