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.
OPINION ARTICLE: Recovering Europe’s ‘popular spirit’
Farmer protests must remind us of the families and communities behind production Brussels, the 27th of February 2024 An opinion article by Vincenzo Bassi, President of FAFCE, regarding the ongoing farmers' protests. The current farmers’ protest
FAFCE welcomes continuation of protection measures to combat CSAM
Brussels, 16th of February 2024 The European Council and the European Parliament yesterday approved an extension of current protection measures against child sexual abuse material online. FAFCE welcomes the move to prolong the measures until April 2026, but reiterates
FAFCE welcomes extension of measures for a better protection of minors in the EU
Brussels, the 2nd of February 2024 European Parliament: MEPs have approved an extension to the current rules that allow for the detection of Child Sexual Abuse Material online. While the temporary extension is necessary, more long-term protections need to
Belgian Presidency Priorities
Brussels, 29 January 2024 On 1 January 2024, Belgium assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is the 13th time Belgium has held the EU Presidency, the last time being in 2010. It takes over
PRESS RELEASE I Surrogacy: the European Parliament contradicts itself
The European Certificate of Parenthood represents an open door to human trafficking Strasbourg, the 14th of December 2023 With 366 votes in favour and 145 against, the European Parliament approved today its opinion on a European Certificate of Parenthood.
Nativity scene in the European Parliament
Brussels, 3rd december 2023 On Tuesday 28 of November, FAFCE took part in the inauguration ceremony of the Nativity scene in the European Parliament for the Christmas season, hosted by Isabel Benjumea, Spanish Member of the European Parliament (MEP), from
European Parliament Resolution on reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion in times of crisis for children and their families
Brussels, the 24th of November On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, during the Plenary Session in Strasbourg, the majority of parliamentarians voted in favour of the initiative on "Reducing Inequalities and Promoting Social Inclusion in Times of Crisis for Children
FAFCE welcomes conclusions on a long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas approved by the European Council
Brussels, the 23rd of November 2023 FAFCE welcomes the conclusions adopted this week by the Council of the European Union on a long-term vision for the EU's rural areas. These conclusions recognise the key contributions of rural areas to
PRESS RELEASE I FAFCE Declaration on a Regulation on the cross-border recognition of parenthood
FAFCE Declaration on a Regulation on the cross-border recognition of parenthood The JURI Committee in the European Parliament voted to limit Member States' to decide on parenthood recognition, also in case of surrogacy. The Board of FAFCE issued a
PRESS RELEASE | FAFCE Autumn Board Meeting | Young people and mental health: families as their best allies
Brussels, the 27th of October 2023 A high level seminar at The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the blessing of a St. Joseph statue and the discussion on the current state of family policies have been at the
