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.
New Commissioners tasked with intergenerational solidarity, demography and cohesion
Brussels, 18th September 2024 The new college of commissioners was announced yesterday by President Ursula Von der Leyen in Strasbourg. Highlighting her team's diversity in geography and sex, Von der Leyen asserted that they will work "towards one common
FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi’s full speech at Rimini Meeting 2024
Brussels, 9th September 2024 The following is an English translation of the speech given by FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi at the Rimini Meeting in Italy during the event Family: A Place of Hope on 22nd August 2024. For the
Rimini Meeting hears address by FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi
Brussels, 27th August 2024 FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi gave a speech to the Rimini Meeting last Thursday. The popular conference holds great importance in Italian politics. Entitled Family: A Place of Hope, Bassi participated in the panel that focused
FAFCE Summer Newsletter 2024
Brussels, 26th of July 2024 Dear Friends, Today, we celebrate the feast day of Saints Anne and Joachim, the parents of the Virgin Mary. Accordingly, this Sunday is the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, emphasising their dignity and
Metsola elected as President of the European Parliament
Brussels, 17th July 2024 Yesterday the European Parliament elected its President. Roberta Metsola MEP of Malta's Nationalist Party (EPP) was elected to a second term during July's Strasbourg plenary, the last until the summer recess. FAFCE warmly congratulates President
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 demographic transitions, as well as
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 the Hungarian presidency of the
“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 in Europe, an organization founded
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. Addressed to the Speaker of
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 cohesion, Ministers took a long-term
