THEME I

Validity of the notariat’s principles in the 21st Century

Over time, the Notariat faces new challenges related to changes in the social and legal framework. Its function is at the service of society and the notary lives from his ability to constantly adapt to the current needs of society and citizens.  Key words in the changes at the end of the 20th century and at the beginning of the 21st century include globalization, digitization and data protection.

Globalization, which leads to an ever more interconnected world, has a profound impact on our society. When legal institutions are supposed to be imported, adapted or globalized, it is essential to consider the basic principles of the legal system concerned and to check whether the new institutions are compatible with these basic principles.  Also, the digitization becomes everyday more important for the notary activity. Notaries play a real pioneer role in the field of digitization. Information technology is an essential working tool of the modern Notariat, but a high level of security must always be maintained.

The question is therefore what role do notaries are supposed to play in the 21st century in the context of those new evolutions and if the idea of ??  the principles of the Latin Notariat can be maintained as it is or must be adapted and, if so, in what way.

The member Notariats are called upon to answer these questions in the framework of a questionnaire sent to them which the coordinator of Theme I will analyze and present during the Congress, the aim being to situate the notary in the 21st century and to draw up a perspective for the future.