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.
Press release | Double Breach of Subsidiarity Ahead? 2 EU Parliament reports overstep EU competence
In a week the European Parliament will gather in Strasbourg for its March Plenary Session. On the agenda there are two reports that address issues of concern to all, namely Human Rights and Equality. However, there are also
Press release | Over 60 000 citizens ask the EU not to support abortion. Will the European Parliament listen?
In one week the European Parliament will vote the Annual report on the equality between women and men in the EU - 2013 presented by MEP Marc Tarabella which includes many very positive points. However, there are also concerns expressed by over
PRESS RELEASE | 2/3 of EU Parliament Committee ignore over 40 000 citizens calling for no EU support to abortion… the mobilisation continues!
Brussels, 21 January 2015 Over 40 000 citizens calling on the European Parliament to not adopt any provision in favour of EU support for abortion, an issue on which there is no EU competence, were ignored by two thirds
Press release | Over 40 000 citizens say “Stop Tarabella relaunching Estrela!” and call for no EU support to abortion
In four days over 40 000 citizens signed the Stop Tarabella relaunching Estrela! petition calling on the European Parliament to not adopt any provision in favour of EU support for abortion, an issue on which there is no EU competence (more
Stand up for a Free Sunday! Take part in the online public consultation on the review of the Working Time Directive
The European Commission has launched an online public consultation on the review of the Working Time Directive. A public Consultation is an instrument used by the European Commission to gather insights and contributions from all citizens in the context of
Maternity and paternity leave in the EU
European Parliament Infographic on Maternity and paternity leave in the EU
The address of Pope Francis to Europe
Strasbourg, 25 November 2014, Address of Pope Francis to the European Parliament Strasbourg, 25 November 2014, Address of Pope Francis to the Council of Europe
The Pope spoke to Europe in Strasbourg, but what is the difference between the European Parliament and the Council of Europe?
On 25 November 2014, Pope Francis addressed the European Parliament, gathered for this occasion in a formal session, then he went to the Council of Europe. For the first non-European Pope of the modern age, it is the
Press release | The human: the most notable absentee of the 2015 European Commission Work Programme
Brussels, 17 December 2014 Yesterday 16 December the European Commission presented its 2015 Work Programme to the European Parliament. With this document, the College sets out its plans for the 12 months ahead, making new proposals and proposing to withdraw
Over 100 organisations call on the European Commission to withdraw the 5th Equal Treatment Directive Proposal
Brussels, 3 December 2014 On the occasion of the International Day of People with Disability (3 December), FAFCE together with more than 100 organisations representing several million citizens in EU Member States are calling upon the President of
