Brussels, the 27th of November 2024
FAFCE invites the new European Commission to work collaboratively in responding to the demographic crisis.
The Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE) congratulates President Ursula von der Leyen as she begins her second term and the newly appointed European Commission team.
FAFCE extends a special welcome to Commissioners Raffaele Fitto (Cohesion and Reforms), Dubravka Šuica (Mediterranean and Demography), Glenn Micallef (Intergenerational Fairness), Roxana Mînzatu (People, Skills and Preparedness), and Hadja Lahbib (Preparedness and Crisis Management). Their portfolios address sustainable development and demographic change—critical issues at the heart of Europe’s future.
Speaking on the challenges ahead, President von der Leyen highlighted the urgent need for modern infrastructure and sustainable solutions to demographic shifts, stating: “We must work to tackle the issues facing our regions, from demographic changes to climate change to the need for modern infrastructure. This is the essence of the freedom I speak about today.”
FAFCE commends this focus and calls on the European Commission to adopt policies that place families at the centre of social cohesion and sustainable development. As Europe continues to face the realities of a demographic winter, FAFCE urges the Commission to prioritise intergenerational solidarity, family-friendly workplaces, and support for parents and caregivers.
FAFCE President Vincenzo Bassi stated:
“Families are the primary source of resilience and solidarity in our societies. By recognising their indispensable role, we can create a Europe where intergenerational solidarity is truly valued as the shared reality that underpins our economic and social future. This begins by considering the family as an investment, not as a cost to be counted as debt.”
This call aligns with FAFCE’s 2024 Autumn Board Resolution, which emphasises the need for bold action:
“Europe’s demographic winter is not just a challenge; it is a call to action. Sustainable development and social cohesion begin with policies that support families. We must act together to create conditions that allow families to thrive.”
While Member States have competence on family policies, it is possible to respect subsidiarity at the same time as acting on what is a global existential crisis in demography. The resolution continues, “central to the resolution is the declaration that there is ‘no future without the family’. Therefore, in order to protect long-term investment in tackling the demographic winter, the resolution recommends that EU institutions and Member States not to count demographic investments for the 3% of budget equilibrium.”
FAFCE looks forward to engaging with the European Commission and its new team to ensure families are at the heart of Europe’s response to demographic challenges. The Federation calls on the Commission to work hand in hand with family networks to develop comprehensive policies addressing demographic changes while strengthening Europe’s social and economic cohesion.
