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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.

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Austria’s implementation of the EU Work-Life Balance Directive: COFACE member KFÖ’s key takeaways

Austria’s implementation of the EU Work-Life Balance Directive: COFACE member KFÖ’s key takeaways

Alfred Trendl, President of the Catholic Family Association Austria (KFÖ), expressed both approval and concern regarding the government's implementation of the EU directive aimed at strengthening work-life balance and partnership. While applauding the doubling of the family time bonus to 1,480 euros per month, Trendl voiced criticism of the government's decision to cut two months of leave for families where only one parent takes parental leave. He argued that this infringes upon parental choice in childcare arrangements. 

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Deposit savings rates: A costly consequence for families

Deposit savings rates: A costly consequence for families

In a recent presentation to the European Banking Authority’s Banking Stakeholder Group, several consumers organisations brought to light a pressing concern – the enduring issue of persistently low savings interest rates for household deposits in the Eurozone. This financial predicament, coupled with surging inflation and rising banking costs, is exerting great pressure on families.

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First rEUsilience working paper “Family profiles: Risks, resources, and inequalities”

First rEUsilience working paper “Family profiles: Risks, resources, and inequalities”

rEUsilience, a Horizon Europe research initiative spanning from 2022 to 2025, is a collaborative effort involving renowned universities such as Oxford, Stockholm, Barcelona, Warsaw, KULeuven, and Zagreb, with COFACE as an integral partner. The first working paper from rEUsilience maps how resilience is being used in the EU policy discourse, noting how there is a lack of a clear conceptualisation of how it applies to families.

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OPINION – Digital Media Parenting: How to Empower Parents Online? The European SafeOnline Initiative Model

OPINION – Digital Media Parenting: How to Empower Parents Online? The European SafeOnline Initiative Model

Digital parenting is first and foremost parenting. It involves guiding children to use technology safely and wisely, understanding their online activities, setting boundaries together with children and teaching them to be responsible in a positive and beneficial way.

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European Parliament organises “Beyond Growth” Conference

European Parliament organises “Beyond Growth” Conference

On the 15th, 16th and 17th of May, the 5th edition of the « Beyond Growth » conference was held in the European Parliament in Brussels.  
Many recommendations and ideas have been put forward by speakers during the conference, covering a wide variety of issues ranging from food, energy, oceans, economics, digitalisation and climate.

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Shaping the Future of Independent Living at the EU Disability Platform

Shaping the Future of Independent Living at the EU Disability Platform

The United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) protects and promotes the right for all persons to live independently and be included in the community. The European Union and all the EU Members States are party to the Convention, legally binding them to fulfill their obligations under it.

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European Semester 2023 Reports: Spotlight on Measures to Boost Resilience of Families

European Semester 2023 Reports: Spotlight on Measures to Boost Resilience of Families

The Commission presented the annual European Semester Spring Package on 24 May 2023. The Package includes a Communication, country reports and country-specific recommendations for all 27 Member States, in-depth reviews for 17 Member States, and a Commission proposal on guidelines for Member States' employment policies in 2023. 

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