Bioethics
“This bioethics will not begin with a consideration of sickness and death in order to reach an understanding of the meaning of life and the worth of the individual – Pope Francis said. Rather, it will begin with a profound belief in the irrevocable dignity of the human person, as loved by God – the dignity of each person, in every phase and condition of existence – as it seeks out those forms of love and care that are concerned for the vulnerability and frailty of each individual”.
Council of the EU: Protection of children paramount during armed conflict
Brussels, 2nd July 2024 The Council of the European Union last week adopted an update on its EU Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict. The Guidelines were first adopted in 2003 and previously updated
European Council publishes Strategic Agenda conclusions, announces Costa as President
Brussels, 2nd July 2024 Last week the European Council adopted its Strategic Agenda for the European Union from 2024 to 2029. FAFCE welcomes the emphasis that the Agenda places on the ecological, digital, and
The Hungarian Presidency: A Crucial Moment for Combating Europe’s Demographic Winter
Brussels, 2nd July 2024 NB: The following is an opinion piece by FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi, originally published on the European Conservative. The Hungarian Presidency: A Crucial Moment for Combating Europe's Demographic Winter As
Family and dignity highlighted in election guide circulated by Catholic Union of Great Britain
Brussels, 27th June 2024 The Catholic Union of Great Britain launched an election guide before the UK votes on 4th July. Voters will elect 650 members of parliament to sit in the House of
“A Europe anchored in its popular origin”: Translated interview with Religion en Libertad
Brussels, 25th June 2024 NB: This is a translated version of an interview in Spanish conducted by Pablo Gines at Religion en Libertad, published on 19th June 2024. FAFCE (www.fafce.org) is the Federation of Catholic Family Associations
New law would ‘deteriorate ethical standards’ in Albania, says FAFCE in letter to national parliament
Brussels, 24th June 2024 On Friday, the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE) sent a letter to Albanian leaders urging for the withdrawal of the draft law On Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Link between cohesion and demographic challenges, says Council of EU
Brussels, 19th June 2024 Yesterday, the European Council of the European Union debated on the strategic agenda 2024-2029 and the topic of cohesion policy at the General Affairs Council. Straddling several subjects that impact
FAFCE: No consensus to impose surrogacy in Europe, shows Council of EU debate
Brussels, 19th June 2024 At the end of June the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union will end, making way for the Hungarian Presidency. Throughout the tenure, the issue of surrogacy
FAFCE comments on new legislature policy priorities
Brussels, 19th June 2024 Before the European elections this month, FAFCE disseminated a policy toolkit to candidates for the new legislature. After votes were counted, FAFCE's President wrote an open letter to incoming MEPs
FAFCE prepares for 2024 Autumn Board Meeting
Brussels, 22nd October 2024 FAFCE's 2024 Autumn Board Meeting will take place on the 5th to 7th November in Brussels. Members and guests will travel from around Europe for the high-level conference (co-hosted by COMECE). Representatives from family associations
PRESS RELEASE FAFCE applauds Italy’s extension of surrogacy ban
Brussels, the 17th of October 2024 On Wednesday the 16th of October, the Italian Senate approved a bill to abolish surrogacy for citizens of Italy. This law comes twenty years after Italy initially banned surrogacy within its borders. This
The Draghi Report and the Demographic Winter – Op-ed by FAFCE’s President Vincenzo Bassi
Brussels, 11th October 2024 NB: Below is an English translation of an opinion piece by FAFCE President, Vincenzo Bassi, in Italian outlet Avvenire published on 27th September 2024. Thanks to the Draghi Report, Europe is now a central topic
Thirty years since first World Meeting of Families; FAFCE to co-organise upcoming Jubilee 2025 conference
Brussels, 8th October 2024 The Dicastery of Laity and Family Life have published a video to mark thirty years since the first World Meeting of Families. Produced in collaboration with Vatican News and Vatican Media, the moving mini-documentary features
Pope Francis visits Belgium
Brussels, 8th October 2024 Last weekend (September 26th to 29th), Pope Francis visited Belgium. Members of our FAFCE office in Brussels participated in public events held throughout the Apostolic visit, which was focused on the Church in Belgium. The
Mass in Commemoration of Mons. Noël Treanor
Brussels, 8th October 2024 On 24th September, members of the FAFCE office in Brussels attended the Commemoration Mass for Archbishop Mons. Noël Treanor. The late Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union unexpectedly passed away on 11th August. At FAFCE