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.
Popular Expression vs. Political Power in the EU – is 1.8 Million EU Citizens enough to convince the European Commission to implement the ruling of the European Court of Justice?
As the last plenary session of the European Parliament before the European elections is about to begin, some Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are voicing concern that EU citizens are not agreeing with the agenda set by
Individualism vs. the Common good? The adopted Lunacek report divides the EU
Brussels, 4 February 2014 Today, Tuesday 4 February, the European Parliament adopted a report on "The EU Roadmap against homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity”, presented by Austrian MEP Ulrike Lunacek. A report founded on a study prepared by the LGBT
Open Letter to the MEPs on the Lunacek Report: Should private sex life be a guideline for EU policies? An attack on filiation, subsidiarity and social peace in the EU – the effects of the Lunacek Report
On 1st February FAFCE addressed an open letter to the Members of the European Parliament regarding the Lunacek report on an EU LGBT Roadmap. The full letter is available below. Brussels, 1st February 2014 Dear MEP, On Tuesday 4
The EU and Abortion: a twofold need for subsidiarity
Brussels, 16 January 2014 Following a statement on the behalf of the European Commission on “Non-discrimination in the framework of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)”, a debate took place at the plenary session of the European Parliament this morning.
The resolution adopted by the European Parliament replacing the proposal of the Estrela Report
On 10 December 2013 the European Parliament adopted a resolution on "Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights". This text is the alternative resolution that substitutes the proposal of the portugese MEPEdite EStrela. The resolution was adopted by 334
Press release | A victory for European citizens: the Estrela Report defeated!
Brussels, 10 December 2013 Today, Tuesday 10 December, the European Parliament rejected the highly controversial Report on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights presented by Portugese MEP Edite Estrela. The vote is truly a victory for EU citizens. Their voices
10 reasons to reject the Estrela SRHR resolution
FAFCE has published 10 reasons to reject the resolution presented by MEP Edite Estrela on "Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights". The document can be downloaded below.
Estrela SRHR Report: Open letter to MEP from FAFCE President
On 6 December FAFCE's President Antoine Renard addressed an open letter to the Members of the European Parliament regarding the Estrela Report due to be voted by the European Parliament on Tuesday 10th December: "Dear Member of the
FAFCE’s Analysis of the Estrela Report – A Proposal Unworthy of the EU
FAFCE updated its analysis of the Estrela Report: "A proposal unworthy of the EU, 11 reasons to vote against it followed by arising questions". The analysis can be downloaded below.
The “Estrela Report” adopted once again: the Rights of Parents and the Protection of Children at risk due to pressure from radical lobbies
This morning the European Parliament Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee (FEMM) voted in favour of the report presented by MEP Edite Estrela on “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights”, following the referral by the plenary in October back to the Committee.
