Here you will see news from Europe, from civil society, from research, highlighting emerging trends from local to international level relevant for families of today.
On June 9, the Spanish Confederation of Families of Deaf People (FIAPAS) held an important Talk titled “Older people with deafness. Hearing well, Living better”.
COFACE Families Europe has endorsed a joint statement calling on the EU institutions to secure a strong European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) by building on eight key success factors.
The European Commission presented its proposal for an ambitious and dynamic Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), amounting to almost EUR 2 trillion (or 1.26% of the EU's gross national income on average between 2028 and 2034). It includes funds to help deliver on the European Pillar of Social Rights by investing in people through quality jobs, social inclusion, education, skills, health, housing and social infrastructure.
In Sweden, new parental leave has been extended to grandparents and friends. New rules now allow parents to transfer up to 45 days of their paid leave to someone who isn’t the child’s legal guardian - such as a relative or a friend - as long as the person is insured for parental allowance.
Social investments and reforms in key areas can boost employment, social inclusion, competitiveness and economic growth. This is the main finding of the Commission’s 2024 Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) report.
On 13 September 2024, Unapei's Europe Commission held a pivotal seminar in Paris, bringing together members of the Unapei network and their European partners, including COFACE Families Europe. Unapei's Europe Commission is dedicated to addressing EU political developments related to the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities and their families, with a focus on positively influencing these issues.
The 11th edition of the Joint ESAs Consumer Protection Day (JECPD) took place on October 3, 2024, in Budapest. Martin Schmalzried attended the event, representing the interests of families from across Europe.
On International Equal Pay Day 2024, COFACE member FIAPAS took a strong stand against economic violence targeting women in the workplace. Economic violence refers to practices that undermine women's financial autonomy and security, often hidden behind unequal pay, denied labor rights, or exploitation within family businesses.
COFACE's Finnish member, Väestöliitto (Family Federation of Finland) launched a new Work-life Balance project in September in which they carry out research and development work. At the heart of the project: flexibility, attitudes, leadership and resources. The project will run from 2024 to 2026.
