European Union2020-05-05T22:35:20+02:00

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.
207, 2024

European Council publishes Strategic Agenda conclusions, announces Costa as President

July 2nd, 2024|Categories: Demographic challenges, European Union, FAFCE, Latest News, Rural and Remote Areas|Tags: , , |

Brussels, 2nd July 2024 Last week the European Council adopted its Strategic Agenda for the European Union from 2024 to 2029. FAFCE welcomes the emphasis that the Agenda places on the ecological, digital, and demographic transitions, as well as

207, 2024

The Hungarian Presidency: A Crucial Moment for Combating Europe’s Demographic Winter

July 2nd, 2024|Categories: Demographic challenges, European Union, Family & Work-life balance, Latest News|Tags: , , , , , |

Brussels, 2nd July 2024 NB: The following is an opinion piece by FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi, originally published on the European Conservative. The Hungarian Presidency: A Crucial Moment for Combating Europe's Demographic Winter As the Hungarian presidency of the

2506, 2024

“A Europe anchored in its popular origin”: Translated interview with Religion en Libertad

June 25th, 2024|Categories: European Union, Family & Work-life balance, Human dignity, Latest News|Tags: , , , , |

Brussels, 25th June 2024 NB: This is a translated version of an interview in Spanish conducted by Pablo Gines at Religion en Libertad, published on 19th June 2024. FAFCE (www.fafce.org) is the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe, an organization founded

2406, 2024

New law would ‘deteriorate ethical standards’ in Albania, says FAFCE in letter to national parliament

June 24th, 2024|Categories: Children's Rights, European Union, FAFCE, Human dignity, Latest News|Tags: , , , , |

Brussels, 24th June 2024 On Friday, the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE) sent a letter to Albanian leaders urging for the withdrawal of the draft law On Sexual and Reproductive Health. Addressed to the Speaker of

1906, 2024

Link between cohesion and demographic challenges, says Council of EU

June 19th, 2024|Categories: Demographic challenges, European Union, FAFCE, Latest News, Rural and Remote Areas|Tags: , , , |

Brussels, 19th June 2024 Yesterday, the European Council of the European Union debated on the strategic agenda 2024-2029 and the topic of cohesion policy at the General Affairs Council. Straddling several subjects that impact cohesion, Ministers took a long-term

1906, 2024

FAFCE: No consensus to impose surrogacy in Europe, shows Council of EU debate

June 19th, 2024|Categories: Children's Rights, European Union, FAFCE, Human dignity, Latest News|Tags: , , , |

Brussels, 19th June 2024 At the end of June the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union will end, making way for the Hungarian Presidency. Throughout the tenure, the issue of surrogacy has been a priority for

1906, 2024

FAFCE comments on new legislature policy priorities

June 19th, 2024|Categories: Children's Rights, Demographic challenges, European Union, Human dignity, Latest News|Tags: , , , , |

Brussels, 19th June 2024 Before the European elections this month, FAFCE disseminated a policy toolkit to candidates for the new legislature. After votes were counted, FAFCE's President wrote an open letter to incoming MEPs explaining the priorities for families

1906, 2024

ECHR decision reaffirms that there’s no right to take a life, says FAFCE

June 19th, 2024|Categories: European Union, FAFCE, Human dignity, Latest News|Tags: , , , , , |

Brussels, 19th June 2024 On Thursday, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in a decision relating to a Hungarian citizen who was refused euthanasia in Hungary. The European Court of Human Rights ruling established that Hungarian authorities' refusal

1306, 2024

FAFCE COMMENT JHA Council a crucial opportunity for protection of children and preventing trafficking

June 13th, 2024|Categories: Children's Rights, European Union, FAFCE, Human dignity, Latest News, Parenthood & Children education, Press Release|Tags: , , , , |

Brussels, 13th June 2024 Today and tomorrow the Justice and Home Affairs Council will engage with matters including the protection of children, drug and human trafficking, temporary protection for people who have fled from Ukraine after the start of

1006, 2024

PRESS RELEASE FAFCE writes open letter to the elected MEPs for the 2024-2029 European Parliament legislature

June 10th, 2024|Categories: Demographic challenges, Economy of the Family, European Union, Latest News, Press Release|Tags: , , , , , |

Brussels, 10th June 2024 Today the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE) has written an open letter to all elected MEPs after the 2024 European Parliament elections, signed by FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi on behalf of its