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.
A COFACE Families Europe member, The Isadora Duncan Foundation organized the 1st Global Symposium on Single-Parent Families, which took place in the city of León.
The European Parliament has adopted a report on the EU Disability Strategy post-2025. The text was adopted on 27 November 2025. It includes a chapter on families.
This year’s annual COFACE Disability platform meeting aimed to bring together COFACE members and external partners to share diverse insights and experiences related to the inclusive transition of care services for persons with disabilities. It was hosted by Unapei in Paris.
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.
COFACE's Belgian member, Ligue des Familles, is on a mission to secure better pay for parental leave, recognizing it as a critical support for parents. However, the current financial compensation is far from adequate, discouraging many parents from taking this important leave.
