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.
EU Consultation on Balance between Family Life and Work: have your say!
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on “Possible action addressing the challenges of work-life balance faced by working parents and caregivers”. The aim is to gather views on the development and implementation of a range of
A new European Citizens’ Initiative in favour of Marriage and Family
On 11 December the European Commission gave its green light to start a new European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) in favour of marriage and family called Mum, Dad & Kids. The initiative asks the European Commission to respect the
Press Release | EP Interest Group on Work-Life Balance Meets
EP Interest Group on Work-Life Balance Meets: Healthy work places in Europe, keys to preventing psychosocial risks Brussels, 11 December 2015 Tackling the rise in psychosocial diseases by ensuring a fair work-life balance, proper rest and a common work-free
Cooperating for Human Dignity
Relaunch of the Human Dignity Working Group “The infinite dignity of every human being is routinely denied across all stages of life, from conception until natural death. Therefore, the concept of human dignity must be further explored, in
The President of the European Council is clear : “The definitions of marriage and family are matters of national competence for EU Member States”. What about the European Commission?
On 23 July FAFCE President, Antoine Renard, wrote a letter to the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, in order to express the concerns of the European Federation of Catholic Family Associations (FAFCE) regarding the statements of
Press release | The Family, hope for Europe
One year ago, a new legislative term of the European Parliament was launched in Strasbourg. Instead of the expected proposals in favour of the respect for every person, many times proclaimed during the electoral campaign, during these 12 months,
Press release | Which vision for the future of Europe? The European Parliament moving towards Deep Divide on Critical Issues
Strasbourg, 9 June 2015 Today the European Parliament adopted the Report of the Women's Rights Committee (FEMM) on the EU strategy for equality between women and men post 2015, originally drafted by Maria Noichl (S&D, Germany). As we stated in
Press Release | EU strategy for equality between women and men post 2015. Is there an alternative for our children?
Brussels, 3 June 2015 Tuesday 9 June the European Parliament is going to vote on the EU strategy for equality between women and men post 2015, also known as the Noichl Report, so named for its rapporteur, Maria Noichl
Press Release | Family friendly policies Intergroup reconstituted in the European Parliament
Last week the intergroup on Active ageing, intergenerational solidarity and Family friendly policies was officially registered at the European Parliament. This intergroup is divided into two Sub-Groups, one devoted to Active ageing, coordinated by Mr van Nistelrooij (EPP – Netherlands), and another
FAFCE meeting with the EESC President, Henri Malosse
On the 1st of April, FAFCE’s Secretary General, Maria Hildingsson, met the President of the European Economic and Social Council (EESC), Henri Malosse. This French representative of the Business sector in the EESC since 1995, is since 2013 leading
