Brussels, 12/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - The creation of a European Family Alliance, unanimously backed by the Employment/Social Affairs Council on 22 February in Brussels (see EUROPE 8373), was confirmed by the heads of state and government meeting in summit at the end of last week (see EUROPE 9383), much to the delight of German Family Minister Ursula von der Leyen, who initiated the idea. Ms von der Leyen pointed out: “The European Family Alliance is a real profession of faith in favour of a policy that facilitates the decision of citizens in Europe to realise their desire to found a family. A real success for the German EU presidency”. The European Family Alliance hopes to encourage the EU and member states to continue in their effort to promote growth, employment and prosperity, she said, adding that companies establish themselves in places where there is a pool of workers available, and families settle where they can find interesting offers allowing them to reconcile family and professional life. Ms von der Leyen continued saying: “Strategies for adjusting to family needs play a growing role as a factor of economic establishment when it comes to competitiveness in Germany, Europe and between the different regions of the world”. She concluded by saying that, in the near future, the relevant EU ministers will discuss together and in close collaboration with the Commission on concrete measures for implementing the European Family Alliance.
Stéphane Buffetaut (EESC) calls for minimum public budget for setting up European Family Pact
Ms von der Leyen did not wait to consult the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on this subject before taking matters forward. At her request, Stéphane Buffetaut (Employers Group, France) drew up an exploratory opinion entitled “the family and demographic evolution”. In his opinion, to be examined on Thursday 15 March during the EESC plenary session in Brussels, Stéphane Buffetaut suggests establishing a European Family Pact in line with Ms von der Leyen's proposal for a European Family Alliance.
A short while ago, the German minister had heard Mr Buffetaut present his opinion during a meting of the EP's Family Intergroup, and congratulated him on his work. In order to face up to the current demographic situation in Europe, Mr Buffetaut considers, in his opinion, that “as a strong measure, the European Council, Parliament and Commission should, in respect of the principle of subsidiarity, promote the signing of a European Family Pact between member states”. The pact would comprise the following: (1) affirmation of the readiness of states to seek to establish policies that meet the population's expectations on the number of children that couples within the EU want; (2) fixing a minimum public budget for families and children; and (3) guaranteeing that an environment that is favourable to families will be promoted, with implementation of reconciliation between family and working life, and the commitment that measures taken in favour of children and families will be permanent. (gb)