Brussels, 29th May 2026
The Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE) participated in the latest online event organised by the Vienna NGO Committee on the Family, of which FAFCE is a full member.
The International Forum meeting, held on Monday 18th of May from 13:00 to 14:30, focused on the topic:
“Family Policy in Sweden, Austria and Hungary: Demographic Challenges, Gender Equality and Traditional Family Models.”
The discussion brought together policymakers and experts to address demographic decline, family support policies, work-life balance, and the importance of strengthening family-friendly environments across Europe.
Among the speakers were Andreas Minnich, Member of the Austrian Parliament, Vice Chair and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Helena Hierzer, Financial Auditor of the Committee.
During the discussion, Andreas Minnich underlined that although countries such as Italy show a high appreciation for children and families, birth rates remain very low. He stressed that financial incentives alone are not sufficient to reverse demographic decline. While investments in childcare facilities and kindergartens are important, society also needs a stronger positive recognition of the value of families and children.
Helena Hierzer highlighted the importance of flexible working conditions, including remote work and home office possibilities, so that families have genuine choices in organising their lives. She expressed hope that more people would choose to have children again, emphasising that children are essential to addressing Europe’s ageing population and demographic crisis. She also stressed the importance of family-friendly networking and referred to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
The discussion explored different national approaches to family policy. Andreas Minnich pointed to Sweden as an example where policies support both women returning to work and parents spending time at home with their children. In Austria, he explained, family policy discussions include extending subsidies for mothers, parental leave measures, and investments in childcare infrastructure, although budgetary limitations remain a challenge.
He also presented several Austrian initiatives designed to strengthen families, including:
- investment plans for additional kindergartens,
- parental leave measures,
- certification labels for family-friendly companies,
- pension splitting models for parents,
- support for pregnant mothers,
- and childcare subsidies.
Mr Minnich further stressed that children need welcoming spaces within communities and neighbourhoods, noting that playgrounds and family spaces should be encouraged rather than resisted. He also highlighted the essential role grandparents play within families, describing them as “the powerhouse of every family.”
The discussion also addressed Hungary’s family-oriented policies, including paid leave for grandparents and tax benefits supporting mothers who stay at home with children.
During the event, FAFCE asked whether Austria views family policy primarily as a cost or as an investment, particularly regarding unpaid care work.
In response, Andreas Minnich stated clearly that Austria considers family policy an investment. He explained that Austrian policies aim to facilitate family growth and help families organise themselves more freely through measures such as pension splitting, parental leave, support for family-friendly enterprises, subsidies for pregnant mothers, and childcare facilities. He acknowledged that much more still needs to be done to allow families to flourish fully.
FAFCE remains committed to promoting family-friendly policies across Europe and to contributing to discussions on demographic renewal, intergenerational solidarity, and the recognition of the social value of families.
