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.
FAFCE co-hosts conference on the family in the Netherlands
Brussels, 25th April 2024 On Monday FAFCE co-hosted a conference in the Netherlands on family policy and the European Union. Co-organised by FAFCE member Family Platform (Gezinsplatform) and the Growing Up Symposium (Opgroeisympsosium), the day featured key interventions from
FAFCE welcomes inclusion of surrogacy in human trafficking directive
Brussels, 25th April 2024 This week the European Parliament voted by an overwhelming majority to include, among other matters, the issue of surrogacy in a directive aimed at preventing human trafficking. 563 MEPs voted in favour, with 7 voting
Solidarity Between Generations – FAFCE Supports AGE Campaign
Brussels, 25th April 2024 Today AGE Platform Europe launched a campaign ahead of the European Day of Solidarity between Generations on the 29th of April. The Day, initiated by AGE, promotes intergenerational dialogue and solidarity. In the words of
PRESS RELEASE Abortion vote at European Parliament an “ideological declaration”, says FAFCE
Brussels, 11th April 2024 Reacting to the vote, FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi commented, “this vote is nothing more than cynical political posturing before the European elections. The matter of abortion is not in the ambit of the European Parliament.
The Importance of ‘Sunday Protection’, European Sunday Alliance organises Parliamentary Breakfast
Brussels, 10th April 2024 The European Sunday Alliance organised a breakfast seminar this morning with MEPs, Commission representatives, trade unionists, policy experts, and faith-based advisers. The meeting was entitled The Importance of ‘Sunday Protection’ in EU Policy Initiatives On
PRESS RELEASE Rome conference on the Universal Abolition of Surrogacy: “finding common ground for human dignity”
Rome, 6th April 2024 The Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE) is proud to be a part of the coalition committed to the universal abolition of surrogacy. Hosted by the Casablanca Declaration, the first day of the
Easter message from FAFCE
Brussels, 28th March 2024 Dear Friends, This week we celebrate with our families the mysteries of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. With this newsletter, we wish you a peaceful Easter and also reflect on some of the many
FAFCE stresses family-work balance priority at Tripartite Social Summit
Brussels, 21st March, 2024 On Wednesday 20th March, representatives from the EU institutions met at the Tripartite Social Summit. Co-chaired by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission (and featuring trade union and
FAFCE co-hosts Investing in the Family, Investing in the Future conference
Brussels, 20th March 2024 FAFCE co-hosted a conference yesterday entitled Investing in the Family, Investing in the Future. Held at the European Parliament in Brussels, the conference emphasised the significance of investing in family policies for a brighter future.
FAFCE celebrates Saint Joseph’s Day
Brussels, 19th March 2024 19th March marks the feast of Saint Joseph. In Spain, Portugal and Italy, Saint Joseph's Day is also celebrated as Father's Day. We wish everyone a blessed Saint Joseph's Day, especially to fathers and husbands.
