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.
European Parliament Calls for Automatic Recognition of Adoptions between EU Member States
On 2 February, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Cross-border Aspects of Adoptions, regarding the mutual recognition of domestic adoptions between EU Member States. The resolution calls on the European Commission to begin a legislative procedure in view
FAFCE Contribution towards a European Pillar of Social Rights
In 2015, the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, announced the intention to launch an initiative to reinforce social rights in the European Union, also with a view to adapt them to changing labour market realities. Therefore,
New President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani signed FAFCE Manifesto for Family
On Tuesday, 17 January 2017, the European Parliament elected Antonio Tajani, from the EPP group, as President for the next 2.5 years. During the election campaign for the European Parliament in 2014, Italian Member of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani
Press Release | Audiovisual Media Services in the EU: which protection for children?
European Parliament IMCO Committee votes for maintaining existing prohibition of TVs broadcasting pornography or gratuitous violence Brussels, 8 December 2016 On Monday, 5 December, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee
The European Social Charter in the Context of Implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
Brussels, 7 December 2016 The European Parliament's Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs published a paper on “the European Social Charter in the Context of Implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights” that analyses how the European Social
Press Release | Work-Life-Balance 4.0 – Challenges in a time of digitalisation
On 15th November 2016 the European Sunday Alliance organized its third European conference this time on “Work-Life-Balance 4.0 – Challenges in a time of digitalisation” at the European Economic and Social Committee. During the day over 100 participants discussed
Anytime, anywhere – resolution for a better work-life-balance and synchronized free time in the age of digitalization
Digitalization has changed and will continue to influence all aspects of our lives, foremost our working habits. Digitalization creates mobile workers, home offices, flexible working hours, a free choice of a working place and access to e-mails and
FAFCE Intervention at the EPP Working Group on Bioethics & Human Dignity
Brussels, 26 October 2016 On 25 October 2016, in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the EPP Working Group on Bioethics & Human Dignity met to discuss on “How to Stop the Surrogacy Business”. Chaired by Mr Miroslav Mikolášik
Family – Investment in the Future
Brussels, 18 October 2016 On Monday, 17 October, the European Parliament in Brussels held an event co-organised by the EPP group and the Confederation of Family Associations in the Carpathian Basin on “Family – Investment in the Future”.
Seminar | Policies for Families: Is there a Best Practice?
On Thursday, September 29, the European Parliament hosted the 4th Annual FamiliesAndSocieties Stakeholder Seminar, promoted by the Stockholm University, FamiliesAndSocieties and Population Europe. Panelists addressed the topics of transition from youth to adulthood, equality and childcare. There was a general consensus that
