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.
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.
The Estrela Report is back on the table – European parents expect the EP to act democratically
On 22 October a European Parliament report on “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights” (SRHR) was referred back to the Committee on Womens’ Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM). It is indeed an exception for an initiative report, i.e. a
“An EU Roadmap against homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity” – a European Parliament report likely to divide the EU
A couple of months ahead of the European Elections, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) of the European Parliament prepares a report that is likely to meet very diverging opinions across the EU as it clearly
Press release | 1,4 Million EU Citizens in favour of Human Dignity – European Parliament split over “Sexual and Reproductive Rights and Health” Report
Brussels, 22 October 2013 Today, Tuesday 22 October, the European Parliament took a position on the issue of Human Dignity. By voting a decision to refer the resolution on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights presented by Portugese
