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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20250904T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20250904T123000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20250701T153248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250701T153320Z
UID:25309-1756980000-1756989000@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:Round table on the role of EU policy in shaping inclusive labour markets
DESCRIPTION:PATHS2INCLUDE and the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) are co-hosting a Policy round table to discuss the role of EU policies in shaping inclusive labour markets on 4 September 2025. \nThe round table will focus on PATHS2INCLUDE research findings highlighting contextual factors determining labour market inclusion and the intersections of health and age which create labour market vulnerabilities. Together with participants from institutional and non-institutional stakeholders working at EU level\, it will consider how these findings can feed into different EU policy initiatives. The aim will be to: \n\nConnect EU policy makers working on inclusive labour markets from different perspectives (inclusion\, employment\, discrimination\, social dialogue\, CSR) at EU level;\nHighlight some points of vulnerability emerging in the research\, reflecting on how these depend on the interaction between individual characteristics and the structural features of the context in which people live.\nExplore different European labour market scenarios\, including the potential impact of reducing the gender employment gap in terms of poverty reduction and increased fiscal space.\nDiscuss how different EU policy and legal frameworks can provide potential solutions to these vulnerabilities and scenarios.\n\nThe outcomes of the round table discussions will feed into a PATHS2INCLUDE policy brief\, aimed at institutional and policy stakeholders\, focusing on best practice for inclusive labour markets\, namely contextual factors and how they shape inclusive labour markets.
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/policy-round-table-on-the-role-of-eu-policy-in-shaping-inclusive-labour-markets/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coface-eu.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/EESC-policy-roundtable.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20250905T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20250905T150000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20250731T103007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250731T124716Z
UID:25455-1757079000-1757084400@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:Online exchange with COFACE members on social media bans
DESCRIPTION: Online exchange with COFACE members on social media bans\n5 September 2025 13.30-15.00 \nYou might probably have heard it already\, but more and more governments are calling for social media bans/clear age restrictions/a digital age of majority. These discussions also take place at a European level in the European Parliament. \nWe would therefore like to organise an exchange with COFACE members to hear your different views and expertise related to this topic\, and to understand the different developments in Member States. \nThis meeting is for COFACE members only. Please register here to join the exchange and share updates about developments in your country!
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/online-exchange-with-coface-members-on-social-media-bans/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20250925T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20250926T170000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20250402T193041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T190429Z
UID:24592-1758787200-1758906000@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:Breaking Silos\, Building Futures: Policy Innovations for Integrated Family and Child Support
DESCRIPTION:Brussels\, 25-26 September 2025\n \nThe conference objectives and core themes\nCo-hosted by COFACE Families Europe and the Odisee Centre for Family Studies in Brussels\, this conference convenes researchers\, policymakers\, public administrators\, and NGOs to advance integrated\, place-based strategies that strengthen family resilience and equity through systemic service coordination. Centering on policy levers that empower municipalities and amplify early investments\, the event will explore how cross-sector collaboration enhances service quality and maximizes long-term societal returns. \nThe program features a keynote roundtable followed by four interactive streams\, each structured as workshops to foster debate and cross-fertilization of ideas. Stream 1 reimagines ECEC centers as community anchors\, coordinating education\, health\, and social support. Stream 2 examines integrated service hubs to streamline access for families. Stream 3 tackles governance innovations to break silos in local prevention efforts\, while Stream 4 harnesses digital tools to bridge service gaps. \nCore themes include: \n\nStrengthening local ecosystems: Municipal leadership\, data-driven decision-making\, and sustainable funding as key resilience levers.\nSystemic coordination for quality: How aligning housing\, health\, and education services improves efficacy and equity in service provision.\nScaling what works: From Flanders’ Huis van het Kind model to Estonia’s digital platforms\, showcasing actionable frameworks for replication.\n\nBy bridging research\, policy\, and practice\, the conference will identify scalable solutions to build resilient communities where families thrive. \nContext and background\nThe European Observatory on Family Policy is a joint programme of COFACE Families Europe and the Center for Family Studies. It aims to serve as a platform for the observation\, analysis\, and dissemination of evidence on family policy and other social concerns directly relevant to family well-being across the European Union. \nThe Observatory brings together different perspectives on family resources and needs from a range of public policy\, research\, and advocacy contexts. It strives to integrate these viewpoints into a unified theoretical framework\, and to design suitable recommendations for policymaking at EU\, national\, and local levels. Key outputs include a European monitoring report published in 2024 Towards greater family policy integration in Europe and in 2025 a Factsheet on the Childcare gap in the European Union. \nThe starting point for the Observatory is human rights\, gender equality\, social inclusion\, diversity\, empowerment\, and intergenerational solidarity\, with a stated ambition of promoting policies which support all types of families\, without discrimination. \nProgramme and meeting report\nSee full programme here.See full meeting report here. \nOn 25th September we will kick off with a plenary debate\, and then divide into four streams of work throughout the day focusing on: \n1.Expanding the boundaries of ECEC: This stream will examine the expanding role of early childhood education and care services\, analysing how their mandates are broadening to include parental support. The morning session will explore leadership challenges and local innovations\, focusing on North Rhine-Westphalia’s pioneering certification model for ECEC centres transitioning into Familienzentren. The afternoon session will investigate how ECEC centres can serve as anchors for multidisciplinary local service networks.2.Integrated family support models: The stream will focus on multidisciplinary support models for parents with young children\, showcasing international examples of co-located\, intersectoral services. Case studies include Flanders’ Huizen van het Kind\, now a decade-old initiative; Estonia’s family nests; Save the Children Italy’s Poli millegiorni centres; and Bulgaria’s Tulip Foundation family centres3.Prevention through cross-sectoral collaboration: The stream will approach cross-sectoral collaboration through the lenses of prevention and nurturing care\, emphasizing cooperative networks rather than centralized hubs. Discussions will highlight Germany’s Fruehe Hilfen networks and Praeventionsketten\, examining their impact from a prevention perspective. A second panel will explore collaborative strategies to prevent child institutionalization through nurturing care frameworks.4.Innovations for equitable family support: The stream will address digital innovation as a tool for equity\, presenting platforms that improve access to family support services. Finland’s SOTE reform will be discussed\, including its digital family centres under the new “wellbeing service counties” administrative model. Estonia’s Prevention Council and automated data-sharing mechanisms for families with disabled children will also be examined\, illustrating how technology can streamline benefits/service delivery. \nOn 26th September\, we will organise a site visit to the Elmer house in Brussels.  As a ECEC neighbourhood service\, Elmer organises social day-care (3 months – 3\,5 years) and has 4 branches in the most underprivileged areas of the Brussels Region. Elmer aims to reach a socio-cultural mix of families living in the neighbourhood and focuses especially on vulnerable families. In total Elmer has a capacity for 190 children. Each year we count more than 400 children in our daycare services. Elmer enables the wellbeing of each child\, offers rich opportunities to develop and stimulates connectedness. Parent participation is a keystone in the work of Elmer. The parents are the first educators\, together we are co-educating the children. Elmer aims to work on social participation of parents and organizes opportunities for young parents to meet and share experiences in education. In the neighbourhood\, Elmer is an active partner in common activities.  In Schaarbeek\, Elmer also organises a family centre as an integrated service. We combine preventive family support\, medical prevention in the early years\, educational activities for children and parents\, guidance on education\, social participation and language development\, with childcare. The family centre reaches over 500 families each year. As centre for inclusion\, Elmer gives particular attention to children with special needs and supports their families. Elmer combines the ECEC-service with employment and training of educators – often recruited out of the group of parents.  The team of Elmer is very diverse\, as are the children and their families.  \nResources\nPresentations Keynote panel \n\nWim VAN LANCKER\, KU Leuven\nChristian MORABITO\, Save the Children\nMara YERKES\, Utrecht University\nOlivier THÈVENON\, OECD\n\nPresentations Stream 1: EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES OF ECEC \n\nGeraldine LIBREAU\, European Commission\nHester HULPIA\, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences\nSandra FISCHER\, University of Bonn\nElizabeth SHUEY\, OECD\nMihaela IONESCU\, International Step by Step Association\nAnne LAMBRECHTS\, Elmer\n\nPresentations Stream 2: INTEGRATED FAMILY SUPPORT MODELS \n\nTine ROMMENS\, Opgroeien Agency & Ivan PAUWELS\, Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities\nLuciano MALFER\, FBK Foundation\nMaarja OVIIR-NEIVELT\, Lapseheaolu\nMaria PETKOVA\, Tulip Foundation\n\nPresentations Stream 3: PREVENTION THROUGH CROSS-SECTORAL COLLABORATION  \n\nIvelina BORISOVA\, & Sanja BUDISAVLJEVIC\, UNICEF\nJörg FISCHER\, Erfurt University\nChristina WIEDA\, Bertelsmann Foundation\nDebora SANGUINATO\, Save the Children\nGiorgio TAMBURLINI\, Centro per la Salute delle Bambine e dei Bambini\nPaola MILANI University of Padua\n\nPresentations Stream 4: INNOVATIONS FOR EQUITABLE FAMILY SUPPORT  \n\nRense NIEUWENHUIS\, Stockholm University\nMaria Kaisa AULA\, Welfare area of Central Finland\nMarina WETZER-KARLSSON\, Väestölitto – the Family Federation of Finland\nHanna VSEVIOV\, Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs\nClaudia PERONI\, Eurofound\n\n 
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/breaking-silos-building-futures-policy-innovations-for-integrated-family-and-child-support/
LOCATION:Brussels\, Belgium
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251007T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251007T143000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20250910T124355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T102233Z
UID:25565-1759842000-1759847400@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:COFACE Disability platform - online exchange
DESCRIPTION:On 7th October from 13.00-14.30\, we will hold an online meeting of the COFACE Disability platform to consult family carers on two matters: \n\nLearning resources for family carers\nInclusive education practices across Europe\n\n\nThe aim of this exchange is to bring together COFACE members to kick-start a discussion on the development of a European educational resource designed for informal carers of persons with disabilities\, and to discuss actions to promote inclusive education at the European level. The objective of the discussion is to gather members’ views\, provide a platform for sharing experiences\, and better understand the situation across different countries. This is an internal meeting open to COFACE members only. \nThe working language of the meeting is English.  \nYou can register here. We hope to see you on 7th October! \n  \n 
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/coface-disability-platform-online-exchange/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251008T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251008T110000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20250826T075705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T105957Z
UID:25495-1759915800-1759921200@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:Breakfast Bytes webinar: Family Education to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
DESCRIPTION:Date: 8 October 2025\, 9.30-11.00 CET \nSpeakers:   \n\nSilvija Stanic\, Parents Association Step by Step\, Croatia\nElli Kaplani\, KMOP\, Greece\n\nDescription: \nThe aim of this breakfast byte was to share existing tools and resources on preventing child sexual abuse\, especially for parents and guardians\, but also professionals and children themselves. During the webinar we touched upon good practices and challenges to support families in preventing child sexual abuse. The work of two COFACE members was spotlighted\, but the aim was to also gather examples and expertise from other organisations and experts. Every child has a right to grow in a safe environment and enjoy the best possible health\, which includes well-balanced sexual health. To acquire well-balanced sexual health\, children need evidence-based sexual education already from early childhood. Sexual education that is started early supports the child’s development and provides the child with information and skills to better protect themselves and other children. Increasing knowledge of children\, as well as parents and professionals\, can help prevent child sexual abuse. Two organisations came together in this webinar\, to spotlight their work to build trainings and tools to prevent child sexual abuse. \nStep by Step Parents Association in Croatia promotes the rights of children and their families through different programmes. One of those programmes is the Child Assault Prevention Programme (CAP Programme). The CAP programme exists already for 25 years in Croatia and it equips children with effective prevention strategies to reduce their vulnerability and exposure to various forms of violence. Additionally\, it ensures better support for parents\, guardians\, and educators. The programme has several variants that are intended for children of different ages and needs: preschool\, kindergarten\, teenagers\, and children with disabilities. See full presentation here. \nKMOP\, the Social Action and Innovation Centre in Greece has extensive experience in education\, research\, policy and social action. They partnered in a project of the European Union Internal Security Fund (ISF) called “Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and Education” (CSAPE 2022-2024). As part of the project\, they conducted a survey to map the attitudes and practices of children and youth concerning their online behaviour\, ability to recognise potentially dangerous situations online\, and awareness of available reporting and support mechanisms in case of online abuse in their respective countries. One of the resources developed by the project is a Guide for parents and guardians about Child sexual education. See full presentation here. \nFurther information \nCAP in general – URKPK. Resource of Parents Association Step by Step\, Croatia\nCSAPE – Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and Education. Resource of KMOP\, Greece\nPrevention of violence specifically in (amateur) sport clubs. Resource of Defence for Children International\nYou are not alone.  Programme in Finland run by Vaestoliitto (Family Federation of Finland)\nComment protéger les enfants dans votre structure sportive. Resources developed by PARCS 2.0\nEuropean Commission launches new network for Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse\nEU Strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse\nCOFACE is proud member of ECLAG – a European coalition working to end child sexual abuse online\nGet the facts about grooming and Warning signs to watch for. Resources developed by RAINN\nHow to recognise child grooming signs. Resource developed by  Raising Children\, Australia\nThe Real red flags of grooming. Resource of the National Children’s Alliance\, USA \n_____________________________________ \nTerminology \nChild sexual abuse: Any act\, by an adult or a person significantly older than the child\, that violates a child’s right to sexual self-determination or any attempt of such act. Child sexual abuse includes e.g.\, engaging in sexual activities with a child\, causing a child to witness sexual activities or sexual abuse\, and coercing\, forcing\, or threatening a child into sexual activities with a third party. \nChild sexual abuse material: Any photo/video material that depicts a child engaging in sexual conduct (with or without an adult) and material with a focus on the genital/anal region of the child. \nGrooming (solicitation of a child for sexual purposes): An adult approaching a child online or offline\, with the goal to abuse the child sexually. Grooming can include the following (Note! All of these are also considered child sexual abuse): \n\nCommunicating with a child in a sexualised way\nCommenting on the child’s image or body with sexual connotations\nAsking a child for a nude/intimate photo of themselves\nSending nude/intimate or pornographic material to a child\nGetting a child to act in a sexual way in front of a camera\nGetting a child to agree to meet online or offline
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/breakfast-bytes-webinar-family-education-to-prevent-child-sexual-abuse/
LOCATION:Online on Zoom
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251113T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251114T170000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20250623T154933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250623T154933Z
UID:25300-1763020800-1763139600@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:COFACE Disability annual platform meeting
DESCRIPTION:COFACE Disability annual platform meeting\nParis\, 13-14 November 2025 \nThis year’s meeting aims 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. The discussion will dive into what this transition concretely entails on the ground\, what are the challenges and opportunities in facilitating it\, the presentation of local best practices\, as well as insights into the best way to integrate families in its realisation. The discussion aims to encompass developments at European\, national\, and regional levels. \nThis meeting is for COFACE members only. \nSAVE THE DATE and register by contacting Sebastian Gonzalez sgonzalez@coface-eu.org \n 
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/coface-disability-annual-platform-meeting/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251119T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251119T123000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20251008T111112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T154957Z
UID:25854-1763546400-1763555400@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:European peer exchange: The House of the Child in Belgium
DESCRIPTION:European peer exchange\nFocus: The House of the Child in Belgium\n19th November 2025 – 10.00-12.30 CET online \nBackground \nEurope is facing a range of challenges\, from an ageing population to increasing financial insecurity\, growing inequalities and evolving work practices. While policymakers know that adapting to these changes is key to a resilient European economy\, this is usually only discussed in relation to individuals. What’s left out of these conversations is families.  “The vast majority of people live within some form of a family\, so their resources and capacities are fundamentally shaped by the close relationships formed within this setting\,” says Rense Nieuwenhuis\, associate professor of Sociology at Stockholm University. \nThis is especially true for children and their family environment\, which has a huge impact on their health and well-being. In this respect\, the European Child Guarantee is contributing to rolling out different services to support families across Europe\, including the family centre model which is expanding in a number of countries such as Belgium\, Croatia\, Estonia\, Finland\, Germany\, Italy\, Sweden and the United Kingdom. \nAims of the European peer exchange \nFor Universal Children’s Day 2025\, COFACE put the spotlight on the Child Guarantee and its potential to drive positive change for children and their families. The aim of this peer exchange was to spotlight the Belgian family centre model referred to as the House of the Child\, and to use this as a starting point for transnational exchanges and mutual learning with other countries in the EU and neighbourhood countries. This was a public webinar open to policy-makers and practitioners set in the context of the implementation of the European Child Guarantee. \nProgramme \nSee the full programme here.\nChronology of the development of the Houses of the Child here.\nFactsheet about the Houses of the Child here. \nChild participation \nChildren are welcome to participate in COFACE webinars. These webinars are set up with child safeguarding in mind to ensure they are a safe and inclusive space for child participation. \nPresentations \nHolly Shorey – 15 principles for family rights and resilience\nMartino Serapioni – Integrated family support models in Europe\nTine Rommens – House of the Child\nEvelien Umans – House of the Child \nKey resources \n\nOpgroeien (Flemish agency for family and child support)\nOgroeien database with an overview of qualitative methodologies and programmes\nInsights on Family Policies series: spotlight on Italy\, Belgium and Germany\nrEUsilience Roadmap for boosting the rights and resilience of European families\n15 policy principles for family resilience \nBreaking Silos\, Building Futures: Policy Innovations for Integrated Family and Child Support | COFACE Families Europe\nNetworks of family resource centres – list of studies including social return on investment\nEuropean Observatory on Family Policy\n2021 Council Recommendation establishing a European Child Guarantee\nEuropean survey on the European Child Guarantee asking children for their feedback by 8th December.\nEuropean Child Guarantee Monitoring framework\nEvaluation of Sure Start Services in the UK\nResource for support to English-speaking families in Belgium who have children affected by autism\, ADHD\, dyslexia\, dyscalculia\, dysgraphia\, dyspraxia (DCD) https://neurodiversity.be\nEuropean conceptual framework on family support \nResource about sexual health in 14 languages\nTriple P Return on Investment studies: United Kingdom\, United States\, Australia\, Canada\n\n\nFamily centres in other world regions \n\nFamily resource centres in Australia\nFamily resource centres in Canada\nFamily resource centres in Hong Kong\nFamily resource centres in Singapore\nFamily resource centres in the United States\n\n  \n 
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/european-peer-exchange-focus-the-house-of-the-child-in-belgium/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251125T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251125T123000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20250918T072854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251121T115911Z
UID:25651-1764063000-1764073800@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:COFACE webinar: Communicating Social Europe in a changing social media landscape
DESCRIPTION:COFACE Communication Webinar\n25th November 2025\n9.30-12.30 CET \nEuropean and national social rights advocacy requires constant adaptation in this digital era. We believe our webinar is timely and important\, especially considering shifting algorithms\, rising misinformation\, changing user habits\, content moderation policy changes\, new regulations on targeted advertising and the growing importance of short-form content. \nSocial Europe can be understood especially as EU-level initiatives taken to improve social rights and promote social inclusion\, as well as national initiatives and campaigns to promote social rights. \nEuropean and national civil society are key stakeholders in the implementation of Social Europe and dissemination of key initiatives to the grassroots level. COFACE members are part of this stakeholder community. \nWith this webinar we wish to collect feedback from COFACE members on how civil society is using social media for communication and dissemination on social rights\, their challenges and successes\, and how they are managing the constantly evolving social media landscape. This part of the webinar will be for COFACE members only. \nFor the third panel of the webinar from 11.20-12.30 CET\, we will invite COFACE partner organisations to join the discussion and share their perspectives (around 25 participants in total from national and European level). \n 
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/coface-webinar-communicating-social-europe-in-a-changing-social-media-landscape/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251210T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251210T160000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20251017T111930Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T174258Z
UID:25922-1765375200-1765382400@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:Online workshop on EU funding for family support projects
DESCRIPTION:Online workshop on EU funding for family support projects –\nWhat’s available and how to apply?\n10th December\, 14.00-16.00 CET\nThis workshop aims to build capacity of the COFACE community to apply for EU funding to boost their work on family support in their communities. \nIt is designed for national civil society organisations supporting children and families. \nFamily support is an important element of many EU policies\, including the European Pillar of Social Rights\, the European Child Guarantee\, the European Care Strategy\, as well as the transposition of laws like the European Work-life balance directive. \nWe will start with a general introduction to EU funding\, and then focus on three specific funds: \n\nErasmus+ programme\nCitizen\, Equality\, Rights and Values (CERV) programme\nEuropean Social Fund +\n\nThe workshop is for COFACE members only. \n____________________________ \nFurther reading \n\nEU Funding Consulting – Astrid Mechel\nrEUsilience Roadmap for boosting the rights and resilience of European families (see chapter 5 on EU funding)\nEU Funds for Social Services – HELPDESK\nUse of the European Social Fund for actions to combat poverty and social exclusion of children
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/online-workshop-on-eu-funding-for-family-support/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260127T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260127T130000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20251126T152342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T095626Z
UID:26184-1769506200-1769518800@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:COFACE Working group on work-life balance
DESCRIPTION:COFACE Working group on work-life balance\n27 January 2026 9.30-13.00 CET (online) \nBackground\nCOFACE is hosting an online working group meeting on work-life balance with members and partners to discuss key topics such as adequately paid leaves\, take up of leaves by men and the childcare gap. \nThe childcare gap remains one of the most pressing challenges facing new parents across Europe today. This gap arises following the birth of a child\, when well-paid parental leave has been exhausted\, but access to state-supported full-time Early Childhood Education and Care is not yet available. During this period\, families often struggle to balance care responsibilities and employment. This shows the shortcomings of existing work–life balance policies. \nAccording to the find hand and European Equality Legal Network\, gaps in the transposition of the EU Work-life Balance Directive persist—particularly in ensuring adequate compensation for parental leave and encouraging greater uptake of family leaves by fathers. These shortcomings often rooted in gender inequalities such as the gender pay gap\, further deepen the childcare gap. Strengthening the effective implementation of the WLB Directive\, especially by improving parental leave compensation and promoting equal sharing of caregiving responsibilities\, is therefore essential to closing the childcare gap and supporting parents more effectively in the early years of their child’s life. \nAim of the working group meeting\n\nTake stock of latest trends on work-life balance policies across the EU with a focus on the adequacy of leave payments and the take-up of parental and family leaves by men.\nDiscuss the current state of play regarding the transposition and implementation of the EU Work-life Balance Directive in Member States.\nExamine childcare the gap\, and explore how to bridge this period\nIdentify and discuss potential flagship initiatives and best practices that could help close this gap.\nAssess recent research findings and policy developments that can enhance future action.\n\nRead the full meeting report here\nResources\nPresentations: \n\nWillem Adema (OECD)\nVytautas Peciukonis (EIGE)\nKarolina Andrian (ShareTheCare)\nMartino Serapioni (COFACE)\nIvana Dobrotic (University of Zagreb)\n\n\n_________________________ \nSafe and inclusive activities in COFACE\nAs a European civil society network dedicated to the values of non-discrimination\, gender equality and equality and social inclusion\, COFACE and its representatives must practice its values within all operations and activities\, both internally within the secretariat and the network and externally when representing COFACE. In 2025\, COFACE Families Europe adopted a Common Reference Framework for safe an inclusive activities.  You can read it here in English and French\, and here in Easy-to-Read language.\nPlease know that we provide a safe space for all types of families without discrimination\, and foster pluralistic discussions which acknowledge different viewpoints.\nIt is important that all participants in COFACE activities fully respect these values\, acting respectfully\, and contributing to creating a safe space for all. If you wish to draw our attention to any difficult situations experienced during a COFACE activity\, please write to us using the complaints form.
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/coface-working-group-on-work-life-balance-2/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260203T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260203T170000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20260119T114234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T142051Z
UID:26769-1770109200-1770138000@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:European conference on inclusive labour markets
DESCRIPTION:About the conference\nAs member of the Horizon Europe PATHS2INCLUDE consortium\, we are proud to announce the project closing conference “European labour markets under pressure – new knowledge on pathways to include persons in vulnerable situations”.  \nThe project’s final conference will take place in Brussels\, Belgium on 3 February 2026 and aims to be a key tool for dissemination and incubator for new partnerships for the take-up of PATHS2INCLUDE data in policy and practice. \nThe aim will be to: \n\nPresent key research findings emerging from the PATHS2INCLUDE research\, highlighting key points of vulnerability in different labour market scenarios as well as new knowledge on best practice in labour market inclusion;\n\n\nConnect participants working on inclusive labour markets from different perspectives at national and EU level; and\n\n\nDiscuss how different EU policy and legal frameworks can provide potential solutions to these vulnerabilities\, and different scenarios to develop inclusive labour markets for persons in vulnerable situations.\n\nA variety of topics will be discussed related to the labour market inclusion of groups in vulnerable situations\, such as reflections on gaps in data\, workplace dynamics to prevent discrimination\, gender equal labour markets\, older workers in vulnerable situations\, the impact of digital developments on labour markets\, the role of the European Union in shaping inclusive labour markets\, and more. \nThe agenda is available here. Please contact Cloë Rossenbacker\, COFACE Project and advocacy officer\, for further information about the conference.\ncrossenbacker@coface-eu.org  \nSafe and inclusive activities in COFACE\nAs a European civil society network dedicated to the values of non-discrimination\, gender equality and equality and social inclusion\, COFACE and its representatives must practice its values within all operations and activities\, both internally within the secretariat and the network and externally when representing COFACE. In 2025\, COFACE Families Europe adopted a Common Reference Framework for safe an inclusive activities.  You can read it here in English and French\, and here in Easy-to-Read language.\nPlease know that we provide a safe space for all types of families without discrimination\, and foster pluralistic discussions which acknowledge different viewpoints.\nIt is important that all participants in COFACE activities fully respect these values\, acting respectfully\, and contributing to creating a safe space for all.\nIf you wish to draw our attention to any difficult situations experienced during a COFACE activity\, please write to us using the complaints form.
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/european-conference-on-inclusive-labour-markets/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260303T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260303T110000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20260113T101127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T134452Z
UID:26716-1772530200-1772535600@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:Breakfast Bytes Webinar - Empowering rural women\, strengthening families: Community-based solutions in practice
DESCRIPTION:Empowering rural women\, strengthening families: Community-based solutions in practice\n  \nDate: 3 March 2026\, 9.30-11.00 CET\nSpeakers\n\nMargit Batthyány-Schmidt\, President\, Union of Hungarian Women Association\nViktória Szeri\, Coordinator\, Union of Hungarian Women Association\n\n\nDescription\nIn the run-up to the UN International day of women’s rights (8th March)\, this webinar focused on rural women\, families\, and community-based good practices\, and with speakers from the Union of Hungarian Women Association (UHW). The main objective of UHW is to empower rural women\, enhance their role in the family\, improve their quality of life\, maintain their physical\, mental and emotional health and encourage them to become entrepreneurs. They believe that family well-being can be ensured by strengthening the social\, economic and cultural role of women. \nDuring the webinar\, participants learned about the TalentA Programme run by UHW in order to support women entrepreneurs in rural areas\, a programme previously developed in cooperation with Corteva Agriscience (an international agricultural science and technology company that focuses on helping farmers produce food more sustainably and profitably). The programme is aimed at women who tend to be underrepresented in business leadership\, and has a sectoral focus on agriculture and more specifically on green and digital transition in farming\, aligning it with EU’s twin transition agenda and key innovation goals. The TalentA Hungary Programme has been included among the best practices of the EU Interreg Europe programme. \nIn parallel\, they also focus on the right to health for rural women\, with a new National Health Promotion Programme launched in January 2026. This programme focuses not only on physical health\, but also on mental and emotional wellbeing\, with a strong family and community perspective. Additionally\, they participate in European projects like the CERV project called Grapes of Change focusing on care\, mental health\, and community resilience. \nFurther information\nView the full presentation here\nMagyar Női Unio | női egyesület\nTalentA Hungary – Training and micro-grants for women driving green & digital farm innovation \nWatch the recorded webinar here \n_________________________________ \nSafe and inclusive activities in COFACE\nAs a European civil society network dedicated to the values of non-discrimination\, gender equality and equality and social inclusion\, COFACE and its representatives must practice its values within all operations and activities\, both internally within the secretariat and the network and externally when representing COFACE. In 2025\, COFACE Families Europe adopted a Common Reference Framework for safe an inclusive activities.  You can read it here in English and French\, and here in Easy-to-Read language.\nPlease know that we provide a safe space for all types of families without discrimination\, and foster pluralistic discussions which acknowledge different viewpoints.\nIt is important that all participants in COFACE activities fully respect these values\, acting respectfully\, and contributing to creating a safe space for all.\nIf you wish to draw our attention to any difficult situations experienced during a COFACE activity\, please write to us using the complaints form.
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/webinar-empowering-rural-women-strengthening-families-community-based-solutions-in-practice/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Athens:20260317T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Athens:20260317T170000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20251107T162933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T143451Z
UID:26090-1773734400-1773766800@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:Families in the age of Artificial Intelligence: Rights\, inclusion and empowerment
DESCRIPTION:Families in the age of Artificial Intelligence:\nRights\, inclusion and empowerment\nEuropean expert meeting \n17th March 2026\nAthens\, Greece \nBackground\nAs artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in daily life\, its impact on families is growing\, shaping how they work\, learn\, care\, communicate\, and stay safe online. \nCo-hosted by COFACE Families Europe and KMOP\, this expert meeting will convene researchers\, policymakers\, tech experts and civil society to discuss the impact of Artificial intelligence on family life and inclusion\, with a focus on rights\, equity and empowerment in the digital age. \nUsing a multi-generation approach looking at children and adults\, we aim to collect information from COFACE members and partners about family experiences at home\, in the labour market\, in schools and in the online environment\, while highlighting the transformative role of AI and looking at both risks and opportunities. \nThe programme will aim to highlight the state of play of artificial intelligence today\, while also looking towards the future and its impact on families. \nKey areas to be explored during breakout sessions are the following: \n\nFuture of work: what risks and opportunities for AI-exposed workers?\nOnline safety and navigating AI in digital environments\nFinancial inclusion and consumer rights in an AI world\nAI for families in migration: threat or opportunity?\nLeveraging AI for inclusive care and social protection\nAI in education: enhancing equity and respecting children’s right\n\nTogether\, we will identify the challenges for families of today and consider the building blocks of a family-friendly digital future\, one where AI serves as a tool for social inclusion\, equity\, and well-being for all families.\nWorking languages: English and Greek. \nProgramme of the event\nThe full programme can be found here. \nModerators and speakers\nCheck out the great moderator team and wide variety of speakers from local to international level! \nMeet the moderators\nMeet the speakers \nResources\nCheck out our glossary of basic AI terms. \nPresentations breakout sessions: \n\nAI & Online safety_Manon Letouche\nAI & Online Safety_Carlos Puente Pérez\nAI & Financial inclusion_Martin Schmalzried\nAI & Financial inclusion_Peter Norwood\nAI & Education_Romina Cachia\nAI & Education_Antonia Nikou\nAI & Work_Mateusz Krząkała\nAI & Work_Angelica Salvi Del Pero\nAI & Migration_Vasileios Margaritis\nAI & Migration_Anusha Zubairy Yildiz\nAI\, Care & Social Protection_Lara Bezzina\n\n____________________________ \nSafe and inclusive activities in COFACE\nAs a European civil society network dedicated to the values of non-discrimination\, gender equality and equality and social inclusion\, COFACE and its representatives must practice its values within all operations and activities\, both internally within the secretariat and the network and externally when representing COFACE. In 2025\, COFACE Families Europe adopted a Common Reference Framework for safe an inclusive activities.  You can read it here in English and French\, and here in Easy-to-Read language. \nPlease know that we provide a safe space for all types of families without discrimination\, and foster pluralistic discussions which acknowledge different viewpoints. It is important that all participants in COFACE activities fully respect these values\, acting respectfully\, and contributing to creating a safe space for all. If you wish to draw our attention to any difficult situations experienced during a COFACE activity\, please write to us using the complaints form.
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/families-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence-rights-inclusion-and-empowerment/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260326T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260326T130000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20260119T095634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T155356Z
UID:26761-1774519200-1774530000@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:COFACE working group on financial inclusion
DESCRIPTION:Objective of the working group\nThe objective of this working group is to bring together COFACE members and partners working on financial inclusion\, to discuss EU developments and exchange information on key national trends. We will discuss relevant EU legislation\, and collect information on challenges and good practices from our Member organisations. This is an internal meeting\, with some guest speakers. The working language of the meeting is English. \nEU context\nTwo main topics will be addressed during the meeting. \nThe first one concerns financial literacy. The European Commission published an EU Financial Literacy Strategy on 30 September 2025 (as part of its “savings and investments union” package). The strategy responds to low financial literacy levels in the EU (with fewer than 20% of citizens reporting a high level of financial literacy) and sets out EU-level actions to support Member States\, including coordination and sharing of good practices\, an EU-wide awareness campaign\, targeted EU funding for initiatives and research\, and monitoring of progress over time. \nThe second one is about the use of AI in finance.  At the EU level\, discussions continue to focus on how the EU AI Act will be implemented in practice\, especially for use-cases relevant to financial services (general-purpose AI used in workflows\, and high-risk systems such as creditworthiness checks). Key recent EU-level developments include the entry into application of GPAI obligations from 2 August 2025\, the publication of the GPAI Code of Practice (10 July 2025) and Commission guidelines clarifying the scope of GPAI obligations (17 October 2025). Some relevant workstreams have been launched in 2025 such as consultations on copyright/text-and-data-mining opt-out protocols (open 1 Dec 2025–23 Jan 2026) and on a draft implementing act for AI regulatory sandboxes (open 2 Dec 2025–13 Jan 2026). In parallel\, the Commission has also signalled potential simplification amendments to the AI Act as part of its Digital Omnibus/Simplification work (19 November 2025)\, which may impact consumers. \nMeeting report and presentations\nEuropean Commission Financial Literacy Strategy\nDebt service advice services in France\nMeeting report (summary) \n__________________________ \nSafe and inclusive activities in COFACE\nAs a European civil society network dedicated to the values of non-discrimination\, gender equality and equality and social inclusion\, COFACE and its representatives must practice its values within all operations and activities\, both internally within the secretariat and the network and externally when representing COFACE. In 2025\, COFACE Families Europe adopted a Common Reference Framework for safe an inclusive activities.  You can read it here in English and French\, and here in Easy-to-Read language. Please know that we provide a safe space for all types of families without discrimination\, and foster pluralistic discussions which acknowledge different viewpoints. It is important that all participants in COFACE activities fully respect these values\, acting respectfully\, and contributing to creating a safe space for all. If you wish to draw our attention to any difficult situations experienced during a COFACE activity\, please write to us using the complaints form.
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/coface-working-group-on-financial-inclusion-2/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260519T113000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260519T130000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20260305T193439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T145020Z
UID:27117-1779190200-1779195600@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:Online workshop: Empowering family organisations to engage in the European Semester process
DESCRIPTION:19th May 11.30-13.00 CET\nRegister here to receive your individual meeting link \n  \nThe European Semester is the European Union’s yearly cycle for coordinating economic\, fiscal\, employment\, and social policies across its member countries. It helps ensure that EU countries’ policies are aligned with shared EU priorities such as economic stability\, growth\, and social objectives. \nIt strongly shapes national reforms and EU funding priorities\, yet it often flies under the radar of civil society. \nThis online workshop aims to: \n1.Explain what the European Semester is in simple terms\n2.Identify where family issues already appear (or should appear) in this process\n3.Recognise entry points for civil society and family organisations\n4.Provide actionable tips to engage in the Semester \nThis is open to COFACE members only. \n 
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/online-capacity-building-empowering-family-organisations-to-engage-in-the-european-semester-process/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260624T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260624T110000
DTSTAMP:20260419T214456
CREATED:20260306T132229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T134653Z
UID:27133-1782293400-1782298800@coface-eu.org
SUMMARY:Choosing inclusive education pathways for your child: communication and empowerment tools for parents and carers
DESCRIPTION:Register here for our next breakfast byte webinar\n\nDate: 24th June 2026\, 9.30-11.00 CET \nSpeakers:   \n\nIwona Suska\, Member of the Steering group of Ouders voor Inclusie\nKim Van Mele\, Member of the Board of Ouders voor Inclusie\nAntonella Mangiaracina\, Activity Manager\, European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education\n\n\nDescription: \nThis webinar will put the spotlight on the Belgian organisation Ouders voor Inclusie (Parents for Inclusion). Through their advocacy and practical tools\, they are helping to empower parents in Flanders to ensure their children with disabilities are fully included in education and society. They do this through a mix of advocacy\, policy shaping\, and support. They aim to shift the narrative away from introducing children based on their diagnosis or support needs\, towards highlighting holistically who is the child\, what they enjoy and are good at\, and what works well for them. \nOne practical example is the Zo Zit Ik In Elkaar (“This is what I’m like”) tool that they created. This is a digital profile builder for a child or young person\, designed especially for children with additional support needs. The goal is to help others see the whole child\, not just a diagnosis or school report. It’s a communication and empowerment tool for parents to present their child in a strengths-based way and support inclusive participation in school\, leisure activities\, and later work. Once the profile is created\, parents can share it with people around the child\, for example: teachers and school staff\, youth group leaders or sports coaches\, therapists or support workers\, and more. \nWe will also invite a reaction from the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (celebrating 30 years this year) on actions they are taking to consolidate inclusive education models in Europe\, in partnership with family organisations. \nJoin us to gain practical knowledge about inclusive education pathways\, to bring your recommendations to the discussion\, and help us build partnerships to make inclusive education a reality in Europe! \nFurther information \nhttps://oudersvoorinclusie.be/\nhttps://zozitikinelkaar.be/\nhttps://www.european-agency.org/ \n_________________________________ \nSafe and inclusive activities in COFACE\nAs a European civil society network dedicated to the values of non-discrimination\, gender equality and equality and social inclusion\, COFACE and its representatives must practice its values within all operations and activities\, both internally within the secretariat and the network and externally when representing COFACE. In 2025\, COFACE Families Europe adopted a Common Reference Framework for safe an inclusive activities.  You can read it here in English and French\, and here in Easy-to-Read language. Please know that we provide a safe space for all types of families without discrimination\, and foster pluralistic discussions which acknowledge different viewpoints. It is important that all participants in COFACE activities fully respect these values\, acting respectfully\, and contributing to creating a safe space for all. If you wish to draw our attention to any difficult situations experienced during a COFACE activity\, please write to us using the complaints form. \n  \nRegister to the webinar here
URL:https://coface-eu.org/event/choosing-inclusive-education-pathways-for-your-child-communication-and-empowerment-tools-for-parents-and-carers/
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