European Union
Although family-policies are a national competence and greatly vary across the 27 EU Member-States, the European Union can play an important role in promoting family-friendly policies. FAFCE supports in this direction the daily work of the different EU bodies:
- European Parliament: composed of representatives directly elected by the EU citizens, it participates to produce the EU legislation with the European Council and the European Commission.
- European Council: composed of the EU heads of state or governments, it defines the EU’s political directions and priorities.
- European Commission: composed of designated Commissioners led by a President, it is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU.
- Council of the European Union: composed of Ministers from each Member-States, it meets regularly to discuss specific points on the EU legislation and coordinate EU policies.
- Economic and Social European Committee: composed of representatives of civil society (workers’ and employers’ organisation, interest groups, etc.), this EU advisory body issues opinions on EU issues.
- Committee of the Regions: composed of locally and regionally elected representatives, this EU advisory body produces opinions on EU legislation that directly impact regions and cities.
WATCH OUR CONFERENCE ON UKRAINE !
Brussels, 20 April 2026 On Wednesday 22 April, from 16:30 to 18:30, MEP General Christophe Gomart (EPP) will host a conference at the European Parliament, entitled: “Peace Actors in Ukraine: Families Paving the Way to Peace”. You may watch the conference
“It is for parents to raise their children and not platforms“ says Ursula von der Leyen
Brussels, 15th of April 2026 On the 15th of April President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen issued a joint press conference to provide an update on the EU’s age verification
Save the Date : Conference on Ukraine – 22 April at the European Parliament
Brussels, 31 March 2026 In the context of the war in Ukraine, families appear both as essential actors of social resilience and as a key lever for recovery and peace. Vulnerable and indispensable, they support the war effort within
FAFCE participates at the Symposium Chantiers-Éducation in Rome
26th of March 2026, Brussels From 12 to 15 March 2026 FAFCE participated in the International Seminar organised by the French Catholic Family Associations (AFC) in Rome, dedicated to supporting the educational mission of families, with a particular focus
Meeting of the COMECE Social Affairs Commission
Brussels, 18 March 2025 FAFCE EU Advocacy Director Matthieu Bruynseels took part in the annual meeting of the Social Affairs Commission of COMECE, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union. As required in the Memorandum of Understanding
Intergenerational Fairness Strategy acknowledges FAFCE idea of a Demographic Forum
Brussels, 11 March 2026 After many months of consultation of civil society, the European Commission presented its first "Intergenerational Fairness Strategy" (see full text on the link) on Thursday 5 March 2026 in Brussels. Since its inception of office
European Day for a work-free Sunday: Joint statement of the European Sunday Alliance
Brussels, 3rd of March 2026 On the occasion of the 3rd of March, the European day for a work free Sunday, FAFCE joins the European Sunday Alliance (ESA) in a campaign to promote the unique value of synchronised
FAFCE Statement on the European Commission’s support to abortion tourism
Brussels, 27 February 2026 “Believing that an ideology can be imposed from above is an approach that openly conflicts with the principle of subsidiarity, the foundation of the European legal system. The initiative "My Voice My Choice" is, in
FAFCE meets the Croatian Minister of Family
Brussels, Tuesday 24 February FAFCE met with the Croatian Minister for Demography and Immigration, Mr Ivan Šipić, today in Brussels. FAFCE was represented by Matthieu Bruynssels as Advocacy Director for the European Union, and by Teresa Gerns as Advocacy
International Day of Education 2026
Brussels, 11 February 2026 On Wednesday 11 February, the European Parliament have debated on the question of Education. The Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe takes the opportunity to reaffirm the importance of education, both for children and
