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.
« The family, united, fruitful and indissoluble, possesses the elements fundamental for fostering hope in the future. » – Pope Francis addresses a strong message in favour of the family and human dignity to the European Parliament
Today Pope Francis addressed the European Parliament during its plenary session in Strasbourg. His speech which was welcomed by standing ovations by the Members of European Parliament through whom he addressed a message to all citizens of the
Outgoing Commissioner pushes LGBT agenda at the EU Council but ministers won’t follow her
On 28 October the Italian Presidency of the EU in cooperation with the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the General Secretariat of the EU Council hosted a high-level conference on “Tackling sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination: next
Press release | Let’s Celebrate! Over 100 candidates to the European Elections support the Family, Europe’s Treasure! – International Day of Families 2014
Tomorrow, 15 May, is the International Day of Families, and it is also the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family. These two events will be celebrated at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels.
Press release | “Europe Day” – Don’t forget the family, Europe’s treasure!
Today the European Institutions celebrate what is commonly known as "Europe Day" in Brussels. Two weeks ahead of the European elections, the commemoration of the "Schuman declaration" by one of the founding fathers of the EU provides a
“VOTE FOR FAMILY 2014” – FAFCE launches pledge campaign for Family friendly policies ahead of the EU Elections!
Today FAFCE, the European Federation of Catholic Family Associations, and its Members launch an EU wide campaign calling for family friendly EU policies ahead of the European Elections. The campaign Vote for Family 2014 will be run in
Popular Expression vs. Political Power in the EU – is 1.8 Million EU Citizens enough to convince the European Commission to implement the ruling of the European Court of Justice?
As the last plenary session of the European Parliament before the European elections is about to begin, some Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are voicing concern that EU citizens are not agreeing with the agenda set by
Individualism vs. the Common good? The adopted Lunacek report divides the EU
Brussels, 4 February 2014 Today, Tuesday 4 February, the European Parliament adopted a report on "The EU Roadmap against homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity”, presented by Austrian MEP Ulrike Lunacek. A report founded on a study prepared by the LGBT
Open Letter to the MEPs on the Lunacek Report: Should private sex life be a guideline for EU policies? An attack on filiation, subsidiarity and social peace in the EU – the effects of the Lunacek Report
On 1st February FAFCE addressed an open letter to the Members of the European Parliament regarding the Lunacek report on an EU LGBT Roadmap. The full letter is available below. Brussels, 1st February 2014 Dear MEP, On Tuesday 4
The EU and Abortion: a twofold need for subsidiarity
Brussels, 16 January 2014 Following a statement on the behalf of the European Commission on “Non-discrimination in the framework of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)”, a debate took place at the plenary session of the European Parliament this morning.
The resolution adopted by the European Parliament replacing the proposal of the Estrela Report
On 10 December 2013 the European Parliament adopted a resolution on "Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights". This text is the alternative resolution that substitutes the proposal of the portugese MEPEdite EStrela. The resolution was adopted by 334
