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.
In most European countries, there is a lack of adequate community-based services for persons with care needs. In many cases, this gap is filled by family members who frequently face the challenge of balancing their own needs with the demands of caregiving. However invaluable this role may be, non-professional care provided by family members should never replace the duty of national public authorities to provide high-quality, accessible and affordable support and care services to ensure people’s full participation in society.
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 European Charter addresses the needs of family carers irrespective of the cause of the person’s support need.
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 behalf of the European Expert Group on the transition from institution to community-based living (EEG), we are pleased to invite you to our annual study session.
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.
