THE POSITION OF YOUTH IN EU POLICIES: WRITTEN DECLARATION

23/04/2008: In her intervention during the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP underlined the importance of an integrated and inclusive approach of the policies towards young people. The Greek MEP asked her colleagues to sign the Written Declaration (33/2208) on devoting more attention to youth empowerment in EU policies, mainly through the right implementation of the Lisbon Strategy in aspects that influence them directly, such as education, access to the labour market, and social integration.

The European Commission has already proposed in a relevant Communication, the incorporation of young people's concerns into European policies. Hence, with their Declaration, MEPs are requesting the consideration of the impact of all legislative proposals on youth and ask the Member States to focus on young people in their national reforms. A structured dialogue with them will help the planning of effective measures concerning education and lifelong learning, occupation and social inclusion, health and prevention, the facilitation of autonomy and mobility.

"With this process, we will be able to hope for a better future for this generation of youth which is shrinking due to the demographic problem", the MEP highlighted.

It should be noted that the Written Declaration was tabled by MEPs belonging to the largest political groups of the EP such as Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Marie-Hélène Descamps (ERP), R.N. Manescu (ALDE/RO), C. Prets (PES/AT), B. Staes (Greens/EFA/BE).

For further information:
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP
Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447

DIALOGUE ENTRE LE PARLEMENT EUROPÉEN ET LE GOUVERNEMENT FRANÇAIS POUR PRÉPARER LA PRÉSIDENCE FRANÇAISE DE L'UNION EUROPÉENNE

18/04/2008: Dans le cadre de la future Présidence française de l'Union européenne (UE), Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou et Elisabeth Morin, Députées au Parlement européen ont représenté le Groupe du Parti Populaire Européen et Démocrates Européens (PPE-DE) au Parlement européen (PE) au cours d'une délégation de la commission de l'emploi et des affaires sociales à Paris, pour une prise de contact directe avec les ministères compétents et les partenaires sociaux.

Lors de ce déplacement, les députées européennes ont rencontrés successivement: Xavier Darcos, Ministre de l'Education nationale, Xavier Bertrand, Ministre du Travail, des relations sociales, de la famille et de la solidarité et Laurent Wauquiez, Secrétaire d'Etat chargé de l'Emploi.

Lors de ces contacts ministériels, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou et Elisabeth Morin ont insisté sur l'écoute du Parlement européen à travers les prochains mois au cours de la Présidence française de l'UE.

La discussion s'est concentrée sur le programme de la Présidence française dans les domaines de l'emploi et de la protection sociale et les députées ont été informées des suggestions de la Présidence prochaine concernant:

• les conditions de travail (Directive sur le temps de travail, Directive sur la santé et la sécurité au travail, la fléxicurité);
• la promotion de l'éducation tout au long de vie;
• le cadre européen pour les qualifications professionnelles;
• les systèmes de retraite et la portabilité des droits à pension complémentaire;
• ainsi que la reformulation des directives relatives aux congés parentaux et de maternité.

Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou et Elisabeth Morin ont rencontré les partenaires sociaux, membres du CDSEI (Comité du Dialogue Social sur les questions Européennes et Internationales) avec lesquels elles ont évoqué entre autres:

• l'économie sociale;
• la responsabilité conjointe et solidaire dans les relations de travail;
• la mobilité des travailleurs dans le secteur de la santé et de ses effets; mais aussi
• l'amélioration de la vie des personnes handicapées grâce à l'utilisation des technologies de l'information et des communications (TIC), etc.

Pour Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou et Elisabeth Morin, MdPE, la Présidence française de l'UE se prépare dans l'écoute et le dialogue des sujets qui touchent les citoyens européens.

Pour toute information :
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, MdPE, Tél.: +32-2-2847447
Elisabeth Morin, MdPE, Tél.: +33-3-88-177630
Service de Presse du Groupe du PPE-DE, Antoine Ripoll, Tél.: +32-475-856290

THE SITUATION OF WOMEN IN PRISON

13/03/2008: A report by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP on the situation of women in prison and the impact of detention on family and social life which was adopted in plenary by a large majority, underlines that the respect of the fundamental rights of women prisoners and the recognition of their specific needs in detention centres should constitute core objectives of the modernisation and restructuring of the penitentiary systems of EU Member States.

Although the number of detained women has increased (in England and Wales between 1992 and 2002 the masculine population increased by 50% as opposed to 173% for women, in Cyprus the number of women prisoners increased by 410%), the organisation and structure of detention centres continue to satisfy mainly male prisoners' needs. The European Parliament has consequently invited Member States to integrate the gender dimension in their detention policies as well as in the training of personnel. The Council of Europe's revised prison rules recognised the specificities of women in fields such as hygiene, health, maternity protection as well as the frequent previous exposure of women prisoners to exploitation. The European Commission is invited to include data about women prisoners in its annual report on human rights.

The debate in plenary gave rise to interventions from 15 MEPs as well as from the European Commissioner Louis Michel who, representing the views of Commissioner Špidla who is responsible for equality, social inclusion and the fight against discriminations, indicated that the Commission respects the competence of Member States in the field of social integration but is nevertheless willing to support national actions in this field. The Commission intends to adopt within 2008, a Communication which will refer to the professional integration of women prisoners, to access to education and training for all prisoners, to the cooperation between prisons and enterprises, the creation of adequate infrastructures and the recruitment of specialised personnel.

Finally, the Commissioner stated that the Treaty of Lisbon provides for new initiatives in the fields of justice, security and freedom by extending the application of the co-decision procedure and strengthening the role of the EP as legislator.

The preservation of family ties and the necessity to create adequate infrastructures for women and their children in conformity with national legislation constituted the common denominator of the interventions of MEPs. Many of them insisted on the necessity to take into account the best interest of the child in judicial decisions relating to the detention of women and to the stay of the child with his mother in jail. Particular attention was also given to women prisoners from third countries.

Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou expressed her hope that the "implementation of the proposed measures will lead to a reinforcement of the role of the EU as protector of human rights and creator of a common space of freedom, security and justice".

For further information:
Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

WOMEN IN PRISON

13/03/2008: The special situation of women in prison and the implications of imprisonment on their social and private life is the subject of the report by Marie Panayatopoulos-Cassiotou MEP (EPP-ED, Greece) which will be voted on Thursday 13 March.

The report calls on Member States to consider the special needs of women during the modernisation of their correctional system.

Women constitute an average of 5% of the total prison population in Europe (from under 3% in Poland to nearly 8% in Spain). More than half have at least one child. In her report on the situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family life, Marie Panayotopoulos MEP, expresses a set of recommendations to Member States concerning conditions in prison, maintaining of family ties, and social and professional reintegration. The report also asks Member States to adopt a comprehensive prison health policy in particular in what concerns physical and mental disorders and addictions.

Press release: Women in prison. Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality adopts report by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP

Report by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP
Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality
EPP-ED site on Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality
Press information: Special needs of women prisoners

CENTRE-RIGHT WOMEN MEPS FAVOUR COMPETENCE OVER GENDER FOR EU TOP JOBS

12/03/2008: In their meeting in Strasbourg this week, centre-right EPP-ED women MEPs voiced their support for using competence as the main criterion to find candidates for EU top jobs next year. Rather than using gender as the only criterion, as suggested by some women members of the Liberal Group, the EPP-ED Members of the European Parliament called for Member States to propose competent female candidates for the coveted posts, underlining at the same time their opposition to formal quotas.

"Quotas are not the right way to promote true equality of opportunities", commented Edit Bauer, EPP-ED Vice-Coordinator for the Committee of Women's Rights and Gender Equality. She also thanked the current Commission for putting forward the recommendation in 2004 for Member States to nominate more competent women as candidates. "I think that this type of suggestion can be a useful tool to improve gender balance in the EU institutions", she said.

Gender should neither be seen as a requirement of nor an obstacle to filling EU top jobs. "The most essential element of equality at work is the content - rather than mere gender", stated Piia-Noora Kauppi, Head of the Finnish Delegation in the EPP-ED Group. "The substance of the decisions should always be more important than the gender of the decision-maker", said MEP Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, one of the gender policy experts of the Greek EPP-ED Delegation.

The European Parliament has created excellent legislation favouring gender equality in Europe since its inception fifty years ago. "This proves that competent men are as important as competent women in achieving a society of equal opportunities for all", commented Christa Klass, a prominent MEP from the German CDU Delegation.

Further information:
Edit Bauer MEP, tel: +33 3 88175673
Piia-Noora Kauppi MEP, tel: +33 3 88175894
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, MEP, tel: +33 3 88175447
Christa Klass MEP, tel: +33 3 88175313
Antti Timonen, EPP-ED Press Service, tel: +32 474851831

PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE PARTICULAR SITUATION OF WOMEN IN PRISON

11/03/2008: Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (EPP-ED, Greece), rapporteur, invites you to a press conference on the particular situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family life.

The press conference will take place on Wednesday 12 March at 1.30 pm in the press briefing room of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, room LOW N-1/201.

A report on the particular situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family life is proposed by the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality for the plenary session. The debate is scheduled on Wednesday and vote on Thursday. The report highlights the situation of female prisoners, a minority of the prison population but a fast-growing one. The report focuses on prison conditions, the preservation of family ties and reintegration into society.

RATIFICATION OF THE UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

20/02/2008: The importance of the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the EU Member States was stressed by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, MEP during her recent intervention at the plenary session of the European Parliament.

The Convention was adopted on 13 December 2006 by Resolution 61/106 of the 61st General Assembly of the United Nations. Its aim is to protect persons with disabilities and to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy human rights on an equal basis with others.

The legal framework created by the Convention clearly shows the radical shift in global perception towards people with disabilities, emphasising in particular the importance of their taking part in decision-making processes of concern to them. Through its 50 articles, the Convention covers a wide range of rights afforded to persons with disabilities across activity fields, such as healthcare, justice, family, employment, participation in political and cultural life. Particular importance is given to the right of children with a disability to develop their abilities and potential.

Among the general principles of the Convention are the respect for human dignity, for freedom of initiative and for achieving autonomy, as well as the equality of opportunities and abolition of discriminations.

The Convention has been open for signature since 30 March 2007. It will enter into force upon ratification by at least 20 signatory States. However, to this day only 16 States have successfully taken this step, among which there are only 2 EU Member States (Spain and Hungary). Greece signed the Convention on 30 March 2007 and its ratification is pending.

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou calls on fellow Members of the European Parliament to work towards additional Member States ratifying the Convention as part of the European policy for the protection of human rights and human dignity, thereby assisting in the abolition of existing stereotypes and biases detrimental to persons with disabilities.

For further information:
Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
e-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

''THE FAMILY DIMENSION IN REGIONAL POLICY'': MEETING OF THE INTERGROUP ON FAMILY AND PROTECTION OF CHILDHOOD

20/02/2008: The Intergroup on Family and Protection of Childhood met yesterday under the presidency of Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou to address the topic "Family dimension in regional policy". The meeting, which gathered together the participation of representatives of the European Commission, the German Ministry for the Family and civil society associations, aimed to analyse the way in which regional policy takes into account the specific needs of families at European and national level. This issue is of particular importance considering the regional inequalities, both economic and social, and the challenges for inter-generational solidarity resulting from demographic change.

In this framework, the representative of the Commission underlined that structural funds, and in particular the ESF, contribute to the reduction of disparities between regions by promoting employment, entrepreneurship, the elimination of inequalities and the development of positive actions for families through the financing of care structures for children and dependent persons. He explained that although the implementation of EU regional policy lies with the Member States, the Commission always verifies the conformity of the National Strategic Reference Framework with the Community objectives.

The representative of the German Ministry for the Family indicated that the collaboration between municipalities, employers and civil society represents the main objective of the local alliances for the family which were created in Germany. Over 450 alliances have been set up thus contributing to the networking of actors and to the creation of a family-friendly environment, particularly in the labour market. The local alliances aim in particular at promoting conciliation, accessibility of care structures including for children under the age of 3, the responsibility of parents in the education of their children and volunteer work. Considering demographic evolution, the German Ministry for the Family also funded, with the help of the ESF, the implementation of a Multi-Generational Centres Action Programme. The programme which was launched in November 2006, enabled the creation of over 500 centres with the purpose of facilitating and promoting cooperation and mutual support between generations and help establish a local market of services.

The creation of a Local Pact for the Family is also a priority of the Christian Association of Italian Workers (ACLI). The representative of the Association explained that it has launched a vast campaign in Italian regions, with the support of the Government and local authorities, in order to create a database on best practices at European level on family policies and contribute to the signature of a family pact between public institutions and local actors. This pact, which is based on the wealth that children and families represent for economic growth, will be signed during a Conference on the 14th of March. ACLI will undertake the annual assessment of the pact.

The debate that followed the presentations was coordinated by the Vice-Chairman of the Intergroup, Mr José Ribeiro e Castro. The Chairwoman, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, recalled that the exchange of best practices between Member States represents the best way to improve the living conditions of families in the long term. She wished for these exchanges to be increased not only in the framework of the European Alliance for the Family but also at national level, taking the example of the "New Neighbour" project which was launched by 6 Member States and dealt with the conciliation of family and professional life in European rural areas.

DECENT WORK: TOPIC OF THE 46TH SESSION OF THE UN COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

07/02/2008: In her capacity as draftswoman of the EP report on 'Decent Work for all' which was voted in plenary in May 2007, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP has participated in the delegation of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee to the UN in New York. The purpose of the delegation is to follow the activities of the 46th session of the UN Commission for social development which will mainly focus on decent work in relation to the fight against poverty and social inclusion.

The session aims to analyse and assess a relevant report of the UN Secretary-General which was prepared as a response to a Resolution of the Economic and Social Council. The report underlines that the promotion of decent work must be a core objective of national and international policies for the development and improvement of living conditions for all. In addition, it stresses the necessity to create macroeconomic policies, to strengthen social protection, education and training in particular for socially vulnerable groups, to promote entrepreneurship and investments, social dialogue and the implementation of protective labour legislation.

In the framework of the delegation, the Members of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee will meet with the President of the UN Economic and Social Committee, with UN executives in charge of social and economic affairs as well as with representatives of the European Commission. The discussions will focus on the decisive input of social support for the achievement until 2015, of the UN Millennium Development Goals as well as on the perspectives of migration for the management of social ageing.

Considering the negative effects of the demographic problem, the exchange of views on the first assessment report of the Madrid International Action Plan on ageing (2002) will be of particular interest. This report analyses the specific measures on ageing, their inclusions in all policies and in particular in care services, health and social protection.

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou underlined "the importance of the global efforts for the strengthening of the agenda on decent work as well as the conclusions of the relevant UN Commissions on matters relating to social ageing and the improvement of working conditions which complete and enhance the European Community's actions in the same fields."

WOMEN IN PRISON. COMMITTEE ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY ADOPTS REPORT

29/01/2008: The report by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP on Women in Prison concentrates on the special situation of women in prison and the implications of imprisonment on their social and private life. It also considers the framework of the re-organisation and modernisation process of correctional systems in the Member States of the European Union.

In many European prisons, the conditions of decent and secure living for inmates are not being guaranteed. There is a lack of regular contact with family members. Many women are also exposed to many dangers, such as unhygienic conditions.

The report calls on Member States, during the modernisation of their correctional systems, to consider the special needs of women. The re-examined rules on prisons by the Council of the European Union also allude to women and recognise the need for special hygienic conditions, medical care, psychological support, maternity protection and regulation of their family affairs and duties.

The report also underlines the need for maintenance of the basic principle of gender equality in sectors such as accession to work in correctional institutions, putting an end to stereotypes, and educational measures for inmates. It is important to adjust to the requirements of the employment market and to promote co-operations between correctional institutions and enterprises aimed at the occupational rehabilitation of women, during imprisonment and in the future, so they can be easily reintegrated into society.

REPORT

VOTES IN THE WOMEN'S COMMITTEE

On Monday 28 January, two reports will be voted upon in the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. Christa Klass MEP (Germany) has authored a report on the situation of women in rural areas, and Marie Panayatopoulos-Cassiotou MEP (Greece) is rapporteur of the report on the situation of women in prison.

56% of the total population of the EU lives in rural areas (92% of the territory). In her draft report, Christa Klass notes the wide diversity in rural regions where the "out-migration" of females in the economically active age groups continues to result in a degree of "masculinisation" of the rural population, with negative consequences for quality of life and fertility rates. To improve this situation, the rapporteur suggests a wide range of measures, for example the support by Member States of the transition from agricultural-based areas to broader economic-based rural areas, the development of services in rural areas (postal services, broadband services, sport centres), and the improvement of education and childcare facilities.

Women constitute an average of 5% of the total prison population in Europe (from under 3% in Poland to nearly 8% in Spain). More than half have at least one child. In her report on the situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family life, Marie Panayotopoulos MEP, expresses a set of recommendations to Member States concerning conditions in prison, maintaining of family ties, and social and professional reintegration. The report also asks Member States to adopt a comprehensive prison health policy in particular in what concerns physical and mental disorders and addictions.

Press release:

29/01/2008

Women in prison. Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality adopts report by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

Report by Christa Klass MEP

Report by Marie Panayotopoulos MEP

MOBILISATION BY THE EP FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN. ADJUSTMENT OF EUROPEAN STRATEGY FOR CHILDREN'S RIGHTS

16/01/2008: Following the vote in the European Parliament on the Strategy for the Protection of Children's Rights in Europe and the world, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP said that the European Parliament's proposals have an active, complete and coordinating role in this political theme. The reformed Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights will provide more possibilities to implement European activities to protect children and their rights and welfare in Europe and the world.

The strategy sees children as independent personalities, not as victims, with rights and responsibilities, as measured by their maturity, who actively participate in the social decision-making process.

The unobstructed social development of children is based on family care and tenderness and also the securing of material and spiritual needs in a healthy and natural environment. Maternity protection is the postulate for children to enjoy their rights, until they reach maturity. The combination of parental career and family care is an undisputed right of children that contributes to the creation of a valuabe capital and an investment for the society of tomorrow.

"In spite of repeated violations on children's rights in many countries, the anti-poverty programme, the anti-racism programme, the promotion of education and sensibility of the family all contribute to closing the circle of violence and the abolition of abuse in all its forms. Great progress has been made in the European Union to protect children from paedophilia, child pornography and sexual abuse", said Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou.

The latest analysis by the European Commission (November 2007) testifies that almost all the Member States have modulated their national legislation in support of the European Council's ruling (2003). The 3rd DAPHNE Programme (June 2007) combats violence against women, children and young persons, finances NGOs and emphasises the exchange of courses of action. The nomination of intermediates and experts from all the Member States and their cooperation on a European scale will remarkably contribute to the protection of children in Europe.

Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou noted that European actions, in combination with political will and civil participation, allow the possibility of the application of current legislation and the combat against child abuse, which is necessary in all political actions. Despite the increase of dangers, Greek legislation and the coordinated acts of the political bodies has demonstrated their effectiveness in the protection of children's rights in our country. This effort must be adopted for children in sensitive social groups in particular.

For further information:
Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
Email: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

FAMILIES IN PRISON

17/12/2008: Marie Panayatopoulos-Cassiotou MEP (Greece) presents her report for vote on the situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family life to the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality on Monday 17th December.


Women constitute an average of 5% of the total prison population in Europe (from under 3% in Poland to nearly 8% in Spain). More than half have at least one child. In her report on the situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family life, the rapporteur expresses a set of recommendations to Member States concerning conditions in prison, maintaining of family ties, and social and professional reintegration. The report also asks Member States to adopt a comprehensive prison health policy, in particular concerning physical and mental disorders and addictions.

	Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality
	Report on the situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family life

EUROPEAN PROTECTION OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT

14/12/2007: Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (EPP-ED, GR) drew the European Commission's attention to a statement about the protection of children’s rights to live in a healthy environment and about the implementation of guidelines on this subject. Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou also addressed the issue of the pollution of closed rooms, air pollution and the use of toxic contaminant substances. The Greek Member wanted to be informed about possibilities for cooperation between the European Commission, UNICEF and the WHO, as well as potential joint future actions to scale down dangers and risks in children’s environment.

According to WHO statistics, 3 million children die every year through factors linked to bad quality of environment. More than 80% of children’s diseases are being influenced from environmental factors.

The European Strategy for the Rights of Children, that still has to be approved, recognised that climate and environmental changes negatively affect the health and welfare of children.

In the answer to Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou the European Commission referred to Article 24 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights and the United Nation Agreement of Children Rights. At the same time, the Commission underlined the important role of the European Union worldwide, to protect children's rights which also have been determined by Article 5 of the Treaty of Lisbon.

The European Strategy for the Environment and Health (June 2003) and the Provision Task List for the Environment and Health (June 2004) both constitute evidence: “of the assurance, that climate changes and the resultant dangers affect the health and welfare of children. The SCALE initiative (Science, Children, Awareness, EU Legislation, Evaluation) confirms the interests of the European Union in protecting children. A wider range of research programmes are concentrated on the effects of climate changes on the state of health of children and finance research about their sensitivity.

Of particular importance is also the air quality and the yet to be approved Reference of reduction of the PM2.5 aerial particles. As expected, positive results will contribute to improve the children’s state of health.

Children’s exposure in bordered or closed areas/environment is also an object of research. The European Commission assembled a group of experts which examines the quality of air in bordered and closed areas/environment. This group of experts will cooperate with the European Commission on potential decisions and the financing of environmental research.

For further information:
Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

''EUROPEAN YEAR OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL: THE SITUATION OF LARGE FAMILIES''

12/12/2007: On the occasion of the closing of the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All, the Intergroup Family and Protection of Childhood met today to discuss the actions undertaken in order to improve the living conditions of large families and eliminate the discriminations that affect them. The meeting was preceded by a discussion between Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Chairwoman of the Intergroup, Mr Ribeiro e Castro, Vice-Chairman, and the European Large Families Confederation with Commissioner Špidla. The discussion focused on various topics of interest to families and in particular on the necessity to find a balance between the requirements of globalisation and the requirements linked to the protection of fundamental social rights.

The meeting of the Intergroup which gathered the participation of MEPs, representatives of the European Commission, the European Large Families Confederation as well as researchers on family policies, underlined that because of their minority position in society, large families are often not taken into account within national and European family policies and therefore do not receive the support they are entitled to, considering their invaluable role for the preservation of intergenerational solidarity and social cohesion.

A recent study presented by the representative of the French National Institute of Statistics (INSEE) demonstrated that children of large families have fewer professional and social opportunities given that their access to higher studies can be compromised because of the financial difficulties of their parents. The representative of the Family Institute of Baden Wurtemberg in Germany added that the great majority of large families in this country come from a working class environment and that women in large families do not usually have a professional activity. Consequently, these families and their children are particularly vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion.

The European Large Families Confederation recalled that European demographic policies always focus on the participation in the labour market instead of focusing on the effective support to the family. Thus, the informal provision of care to children and dependant persons within the family is not recognised at retirement and social protection levels whereas this activity is paid when it is done by third parties. ELFAC also underlined that professional stereotypes and social pressure influence the decision of couples to have a greater number of children at a time when the sustainability of the European economy depends on the increase of the birth rates. Finally, ELFAC reiterated the call of a coalition of family NGOs to the European Commission in favour of a reduced VAT rate for products of necessity for children, estimating that such a measure could help improve significantly the daily lives of large families.

Participants were pleased with Commissioner Špidla's commitment which was expressed by his representative, to promote, in conformity with the principle of subsidiarity, policies creating the necessary social conditions for the achievement of real family desires respectful of every person's free choice. In this respect they welcomed the Commission proposal to evaluate in 2008 the availability and quality of childcare services as well as the necessity to revise the provisions relating to the protection of maternity and parental leave. They also approved the Commissioner's proposal to promote actions within the European Family Alliance and encouraged him to launch proposals in this field.

At the end of the meeting, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou expressed the wish that future actions be coordinated in order to eliminate discriminations which still prevent Europeans from having their desired number of children.

UNDECLARED WORK UNDERMINES THE ECONOMIC SITUATION AND OUTCLASSES INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

12/12/2007: The current major problem of undeclared work has been appealed by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou in her Question to the Commission: "What percentage of work is undeclared, according to the Commission’s calculations, and what is its short and long-term impact on competitiveness per EU Member State?". In the range of a greater deal of discussion about flexicurity and flexible forms of employment, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou has queried the Commission on the topic of the relationship between flexible forms of employment and partly-declared work.

The Commission, in its Answer, was unable to give full particulars and underlined that: "undeclared work in its nature is difficult to be specified correctly. Statistics and estimations by the Commission, in 2004, show that undeclared work has many varying forms in the EU Member States. It has been estimated that in South/South-east Europe, the percentage of undeclared work is about 20% of the GDP. Undeclared work has general and negative effects for competitiveness in the European Union, twists the business competition and leads to social dumping. In addition, there are many contact points to insufficient situations of employment, inadequate social net and less opportunities for further advanced vocational training of the employees." Furthermore, the Commission underlined that there is no balance between tax defraudation, social contribution defraudation, and the costs of the enactment of legislation, as demanded by the European Union, and the profit of both the employers and the employees.

The imposition of sanctions on employers who employ natives of third countries who are illegally resident is insufficient according to Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou. Consequently, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou wants to be informed about further measures that the Commission wants to take. Commissioner Špidla referred to the declarations of the Commission "Enactment of mutual policy of flexicurity" and "Assistance to abatement of undeclared work." The work relations for the employee are very insecure and undeclared work terminates the employment market. Furthermore, the procedure of abatement of undeclared work is being described in detail to create less attractive conditions for this type of employment. It is also planned to standardise legislation in this sector to expedite the proceedings, to simplify and to promote the cooperation of the Member States.

Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, as Spokeswoman on the European Parliament Resolution on promoting decent work for all, underlined her satisfaction at the Commission's statement to intend to propose a European and international cooperation in the field of supervisory systems (work inspections) and the enactment of legislation.

ELECTRONIC ADDICTION OF UNDER-AGED PATIENTS

11/12/2007: Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (EPP-ED, GR) spoke during the plenary meeting of the European Parliament in Strasburg, about the rise of "electronic addiction". Electronic addiction means Internet addiction.

The Member of the European Parliament underlined that the Greek nation is concerned about health conditions of children, who are being medicated for addiction on electronic media and PC games. This problem is currently much more important than the newest developments on the future of Olympic Airways, where she is going to work "in some way", to answer a Member's question from the socialist party.

The significance of this theme led to a debate about "electronic addiction" in the Committee on Research and Technology under the aegis of Mr G Sourla, 1st Vice-President of the Greek Parliament.

Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou mentioned that even if the use of new media should not be demonised, addiction due to overuse of these media can be isolating, can cause psychosomatic diseases, neglect of work and studies and can even cause violent behaviour and suicidal tendencies. The parents, encouraged by educational opportunities via the new media, invest in their upgrade and their modernisation, without being appropriately informed about the dangers behind the abuse of these.

Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou put on the record that there are practically no official legal measures that could reduce or even antagonise this form of addiction: "There are no opportunities for parents to control the period of use and the content of these media. The European Commission does not finance measures for a secure use of the Internet. In a competitive economy, imports from third countries, distribution and production of PC games and 24-hour Internet cafés are permitted. Medical research and care for counselling on addiction is practically non-existant in the European Union. Authorities are not in the position to control and reduce cyber crime."

For further information:
Tel.: +32-2-2847447 - Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

EUROPEAN UNION CONCERNED ABOUT SEXUALLY-MISTREATED AND MISSING CHILDREN

06/12/2007: Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (EPP-ED, GR) joined the conference on "sexually-mistreated and missing children" in Brussels in her role as President of the Intergroup "Family and Child Protection". The conference was organised by the Missing Children Europe Group, which works with more than 27 national NGOs, among them the Greek organisation "Hamogelo tou Paidiou". The group's goals are being supported by many well-known people such as Bernadette Chirac and Her Majesty the Queen of Sweden, Silvia. The opening speech of the conference was delivered by the European Commission President's spouse, Margarida Sousa Uva Barroso.

In her report, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou presented a European Community framework and Directive to protect under-aged and children from child pornography and sexual abuse. She also announced the planning of a new Strategy for the Rights of Children, with goals such as the comprehension of Children's Rights in the European Union. This strategy strengthens children's position in domestic and foreign policy, in education, in social security and medical prevention.

Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou emphasised: “The legislation exists, but there is a lack of obligatory support from Member States, public and private sectors to combat the violence, the crime and the sexual mistreatment of children and wards. The Member States have to make sure, by law, that sexual predators are not allowed to work with or to take care of children."

The rapporteur, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, presented the Daphne III Programme which was adopted by the European Union on May 2007, for the period 2007-2013. The programme's aims are to battle criminality and violence (of a physical, psychological and sexual nature) against women, the under-aged, children, and the adequate support and treatment of the victims.

Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou also emphasised the importance of cooperation between international organisations and the European Commission to plan a common policy on this subject: "The cooperation in targeted systems like AMBER ALERT, the European Hotline 116 000, the support of NGOs and the cooperation of parents and citizens are necessary instruments to support and protect under-aged and children."

In conclusion, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou gave a favourable opinion to the creation of a Hotline by the Greek Government for the protection of missing children. At the same time, she supports the amendment in the legislation to rescind the privacy of correspondence, both written and electronic, of defendants in cases of sexual abuse of children and under-aged and the tightening of the legislation to protect wards and children.

For further information:
Tel: +32-2-2847447
Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

NEED FOR EUROPEAN SOCIAL POLICY FOR FAMILIES, UNEMPLOYED AND ELDERLY

15/11/2007: A report on two European Commission Communications on social cohesion and social reality stocktaking in the EU was discussed during this month's plenary session of the EP. The report includes all fields of action of the Open Method of Co-ordination relating to social policy which are included in the relevant National Action Plans.

Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP, intervening on behalf of the EPP-ED Group, mentioned that the social reality stocktaking which the European Commission intends to carry out should give directions to Member States and bear in mind that today's Europe is facing serious demographic challenges that have an impact on social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity.

The MEP added: "Member States continue not to support families although they are the foundation of society. The poverty of families, especially of lone parents and large families, is increasing due to the lack not just of income but also of social support and equal treatment in taxation. Living conditions of families have an immediate impact on children. Child poverty, to which the report is referring to, increases the unequal access of children to funds and opportunities. Child poverty reduces the personal development of children as well as the future economic growth and social cohesion of Europe."

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou repeated in the Plenary her proposal for the provision of a minimum income for every child that is born in the EU according to the gross per capita income of the state in which it is living in order to ensure its upbringing.

In addition, the MEP underlined that the policy for the promotion of social cohesion should not be based just on the participation in the labour market and the evaluation of economic indicators, but should also address the inactive as well as those who offer informal services within the family. More specifically, the MEP emphasised the need to grant pension and insurance rights to informal care givers and to recognise the skills that have been acquired during caring activities for children and the elderly.

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou also stated: "The preservation of social cohesion requires the promotion of mutual assistance between the generations and the valorisation of the knowledge and the experience of the elderly and their transmission to younger generations. The investment in volunteering initiatives of educational, cultural or business nature as well as the creation of the proper infrastructure for the participation of the elderly in such activities will help avoid their marginalisation and their potential social exclusion."

For further information:
Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

URGENT NEED FOR COMMON EUROPEAN LEGISLATION ON ILLEGAL MIGRATION

14/11/2007: Recognising that among the illegal migrants entering the EU, there is a percentage of minors whose future living conditions and education on European soil is neither guaranteed nor based on common standards, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP asked the Vice-President of the European Commission the following question: "In the framework of the future strategy for the rights of the child, is it possible to plan a common European policy which will ensure decent living conditions and education to illegal minor immigrants who come to Europe, based on the obligation of the Member States to respect their international commitments?".

Responding to the MEP during the Strasbourg Plenary, the Vice-President of the European Commission, Franco Frattini, admitted that there is no legal base in the Treaties for the protection of the rights of women and children who enter the EU illegaly. The Commissioner underlined that all Member States have signed international treaties which provide for minimum common guidelines for the protection of all immigrants. According to the European Charter for Human Rights, European countries are bound to provide them with medical care and living resources. "Children however, because they are considered as illegals, have no possibility to attend school and are thus deprived of all the opportunities for a good start in life", admitted Commissioner Frattini and stressed that the Convention for the Rights of the Child imposes on host countries the obligation to take into account, in their decisions, the best interest of the child.

The Commissioner further referred to two pending Directive proposals, and in particular the one that deals with the return of migrants. This Directive foresees that when the Member States have obligations based on international human rights such as the right to education or the right to family reunification, then they shall not issue orders of expulsion. The second pending Directive refers to sanctions on employers who employ illegal immigrants in the EU. "Illegal labour affecting vulnerable social groups should be considered as the most serious offence and receive adequate sanctions", replied Commissioner Frattini to the second intervention of Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, who pointed out the difficulties in the implementation of international obligations since neighbouring countries, through which illegal immigrants enter the EU, do not comply with their obligations. As far as the treatment of minors is concerned, the MEP noted that the problem gets complicated when children become involved in an illegal working relation and mentioned the case of a 14 year-old trafficker who was arrested in Chios.

For further information:
Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

DISCRIMINATION AND EXCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH 'DYS'ABILITIES

29/10/2007: Following the adoption of Written Declaration 64/2007, the Intergroup on Family and Protection of Childhood met on the 24th of October under the presidency of Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP (EPP-ED, GR) in order to exchange views on the better recognition of learning disorders with the purpose of improving the living conditions of children with "dys"abilities and their families.

The meeting, which gathered MEPs, representatives of DG Employment and DG Education of the European Commission, doctors, parental and educational organisations as well as youth associations, highlighted the necessity to provide early and multidisciplinary treatment for learning disorders at medical, educational and social level with the view to eliminating the existing discriminations and enable the full and equal participation of "dys"-children in society and later on in the labour market.

The representative of DG employment recalled that the European Commission has committed to ensure the promotion of equal opportunities for all and has recently launched an impact assessment on the different kinds of discrimination in the labour market. He underlined that despite the fact that there are no specific actions relating to "dys"-children, the PROGRESS Programme for social inclusion can finance actions of Non-Governmental Organisations in favour of those children and their families as well as promote lifelong learning measures adapted to the specific needs of people suffering from learning disorders. The representative of DG Education insisted on the importance of intensifying the collection of statistics and the establishment of common indicators on "dys"abilities in order to better target the actions and policies. He recalled the fundamental role of trans-national cooperation among different organisations for the exchange of good practices and the setting-up of projects at European level.

In the framework of the discussions on the relevance of recognising "dys"abilities as a handicap, Professor Dattke from the Theodor-Hellbrügge Stiftung in Germany, stated that children with "dys"abilities constitute a very diversified group and thus require a distinctive and personal treatment. He underlined the need for close collaboration between the medical team and the parents in order to identify and treat as early as possible the learning disorders. Commissioner Kyprianou, who could not be present at the meeting, had sent a letter presenting DG SANCO's planned actions, thus enriching the debate on the medical treatment of "dys"children.

Following the testimony of the President of the Association Groupe d'Ados Dys, which is present in various French cities, Mrs Panayotopoulos pointed out that "the coordination and increased use of European programmes for social inclusion and lifelong learning, the Health Strategy for 2008-2013 and new technologies, offer new perspectives for the better exploitation of the potential of people suffering from learning disorders and the achievement of their personal and professional expectations."

For further information:
Tel: +32-2-2847447 Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos@europarl.europa.eu

26 SEPTEMBER - EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES - PRESERVATION OF MOTHER TONGUE FOR EU WORKERS

26/09/2007: "The European Union respects and promotes linguistic diversity. By overcoming economic and technical difficulties, the EU has put into practice the use of 23 official European languages in almost all Community documents", said Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP.

EU citizens should have the same respect of their language whilst they are established in another European country.

The Community financial mechanisms, the new programmes for lifelong learning (2007-2013) and support of educational infrastructure as well as the future prospects which were highlighted during the European Year of Workers' Mobility and Equal Opportunities, provide many opportunities - to the extent that there are appropriate political initiatives - for maintaining the mother tongue and teaching official European languages in any EU country.

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou concluded that the knowledge of a European language, including the less spoken ones, is both a qualification and an asset for any European citizen. Therefore, it shall be maintained and enforced while moving across the EU by giving opportunities of written and oral expression and supportive teaching.

For further information:
Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

THE GENDER DIMENSION OF LEGAL MIGRATION

26/09/2007: On the occasion of the discussions during the EP plenary session on the Gruber Report on 'the policy plan on legal migration', Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP underlined the necessity for a global approach of legal migration policies which need to include two-way measures, the strengthening of the acceptance of migrants by national residents as well as measures to support the social integration of migrants.

The integration process of migrants in the host country is particularly facilitated by migrant women and their families, whose reunification should be facilitated and spouses should benefit from an independent legal status.

A number of measures should be adopted to support migrant women:

• Respect of human rights and women's rights and the sensitisation to the dangers of trafficking and exploitation
• Fight against gender discrimination in the countries of origin and against harmful traditional practices such as mutilation, forced marriages, polygamy, crimes of honour and violence against women and children.
• Recognition of formal and informal qualifications so that women migrants do not become victims of exploitation, participation of young migrant girls to education, strengthening of professional qualifications and language aptitudes, especially for mothers
• Exploitation of EC financial mechanisms (European Social Fund, DAPHNE, PROGRESS as well as the new programmes for the solidarity and management of migrant flows) for migrant families and women
• Support of the role of NGOs for the development of dialogue and counselling
• Strengthening of information on employment opportunities for migrant women through the EURES Network

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou underlined in particular the need to develop economic and social conditions which will enable the return of migrants and members of their families as well as the effective use of their knowledge in their homeland.

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou finally stated that "an active European policy for the development of third countries and the conclusion of partnership and migrant flow control agreements will benefit both the demographic problem of Europe and the future prosperity of third countries."

For further information:
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou
Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

UNE STRATÉGIE EUROPÉENNE POUR LUTTER CONTRE LES "DYS-CRIMINATIONS" VIS-À-VIS DES ENFANTS ET ADULTES DYSLEXIQUES, DYSPRAXIQUES ET DYSPHASIQUES

20/09/2007: Anna Záborská, Présidente de la commission des droits de la femme du Parlement européen, Amalia Sartori, coordinatrice du Groupe du PPE-DE dans cette commission, et Marie Panayotopoulos, Présidente de l'Intergroupe "Famille" du Parlement européen, ont déposé une question orale à la Commission européenne plaidant en faveur d'une Stratégie européenne contre:

les "dys-criminations" dont souffrent les enfants atteints de difficultés d'apprentissage;

l'exclusion du monde du travail des adultes atteints des mêmes handicaps.

La question orale, qui sera débattue en session plénière mercredi à Strasbourg, souligne que plus de 10 pc des enfants sont atteints (*) de troubles "dys" (dyslexie, dyspraxie(**), dysphasie, dyscalculie, troubles de l'attention avec ou sans hyperactivité - TDAH. D'autres troubles ont des manifestations très voisines (enfants dits "surdoués", crampe de l'écrivain etc).

Ces troubles, même lorsqu'ils sont minimes, sont très invalidants car ils touchent dès le plus jeune âge les domaines de la communication (lire, écrire, compter, (parfois même parler) et d'autres domaines de la vie quotidienne (manipuler des objets, faire du vélo ou jouer au foot, etc).

S'ils ne sont pas repérés très tôt, si les rééducations adaptées ne sont pas entreprises, si certains aménagements scolaires ne sont pas mis en place (autorisation d'utiliser les technologies de l'information dans ce cadre notamment), ces enfants sont promis à l'exclusion scolaire, puis professionnelle et sociale. Non seulement leur vie, mais également celle de leur famille, notamment celle de leurs frères et soeurs, risque d'être ruinée.

Or ces troubles ne sont pas encore bien repérés et traités dans tous les Etats membres de l'Union européenne.

La question orale demande à la Commission si elle pourrait fournir des statistiques détaillées sur les problèmes "dys" et si elle pourrait contribuer à de meilleurs diagnostics et prises en charge de ces troubles trop souvent encore méconnus, en améliorant notamment l'information à leur sujet.

Alors que la Commission a déjà lancé l'an dernier un grand programme de recherche pluriannuel "Neurodys" pour mieux identifier les raisons de la dyslexie et de la dysphasie, la question demande si elle compte étendre cette recherche à d'autres troubles "dys".

Le texte interroge également la Commission sur:

la place accordée aux "dys" dans les programmes européens éducatifs, notamment en ce qui concerne les technologies de l'information et l'apprentissage tout au long de la vie;

les aspects concernant la réconciliation de la vie professionnelle et familiale pour les parents responsables de l'éducation de ces enfants;

l'application de la Directive 2000/78 établissant un cadre concernant l'égalité de traitement en matière d'emploi et de travail en ce qui concerne les "dys";

l'opportunité de créer un réseau européen afin de promouvoir l'échange des meilleures pratiques entre les Etats membres et de rédiger une "Charte" des enfants "dys";

l'utilité de mettre sur pied un réseau scientifique européen multidisciplinaire afin de rassembler et étudier les informations disponibles et de promouvoir la coordination d'actions transnationales.

Par ailleurs Anna Záborská, Marie Panayotopoulos, Richard Howitt, Président de l'Intergroupe "Handicapés" du Parlement européen, Roberta Angelilli, Rapporteur du Parlement européen sur la communication de la Commission consacrée aux droits de l'enfant ainsi que Kathy Sinnott, Vice-présidente de l'intergroupe "Famille", ont déposé en juin dernier une déclaration écrite (numéro 64) demandant notamment de promouvoir les meilleures pratiques ayant cours dans les Etats membres en ce qui concerne le dépistage et la prise en charge des enfants "dys".
Cette déclaration, qui sera clôturée le 25 octobre prochain, a recueilli jusqu'à présent 273 signatures de députés européens.

(*) à des degrés divers et parfois simultanément ;
(**) également désignée sous les termes de "troubles de la coordination" ou "syndrôme de l'enfant maladroit" ('developmental coordination disorder' ou 'clumsy child syndrom' en anglais).

Pour toute information:
Anna Záborska, MdPE, Tél.: +32-2-2845923
Amalia Sartori, MdPE, Tél.: +32-2-2845556
Marie Panayotopoulos, MdPE, Tél.: +32-2-2845447
Anne Vahl, Service de Presse du Groupe du PPE-DE, Tél.: +32-475-493354

CHILDREN AND MEDIA: GROWING UP IN A DIGITALISED WORKD

05/09/2007: The Intergroup on Family and Protection of Childhood organised today in the EP in Strasbourg, under the presidency of MEPs Ruth Hieronymi and Maria Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, met with the Audiovisual Policy Intergroup in order to exchange views on the influence of media on the lives and development of children. The meeting, which focused on the topic 'Children and Media: growing up in a digitalised world', gathered representatives of the European Commission, Parliamentarians, industry, and NGOs.

Bartholomeus Pronk, Advisor to European Commissioner Viviane Reding, indicated that given the multiplication and diversification of the dangers, the Commission has adopted a number of initiatives, such as the Media Directive and the programme Safer Internet Plus, which aims at sensitising parents, educators and children, as well as creating a network of media professionals, in order to identify and eliminate illegal content on the net. The Commission focuses on examining the dangers resulting from the use of mobile phones by children in the framework of a public consultation, which was closed in October 2006. Mr Pronk underlined that e-literacy and e-learning proposals are currently being examined by Commission experts.

Dr J Brautmeier, a representative of the Media Authority of Northrhine-Westphalia (LfM) European Platform of Regulatory Authorities (EPRA), presented the initiative adopted by the region of Northrhine-Westphalia, including the assessment of self-regulation in order to protect children from harmful content. He mentioned the creation of a committee with extended investigational powers, as well as the development of systems of age verification. He also indicated that Germany has created a portal for the use of mobile phones (www.handysektor.de) and an online information portal (www.klicksafe.de) based on the European Safer Internet Programme. He explained that Germany has also adopted legislation enabling the prosecution of foreign broadcasts which violate German legislation.

Eirini Zafeiratou, Director of GSM Europe, recalled that mobile phone operators recognised their role in preventing and eliminating dangers associated with the use of mobile phones by children. However, she underlined that an effective response to the problem requires close cooperation between all interested actors, including parents, educators and civil society. To this end, she presented the initiative, which is placed under the patronage of the European Commission and GSM Europe, relating to the creation of a European framework for safer mobile use by younger teenagers and children. This partnership has adopted a series of recommendations on control mechanisms, raising awareness, classification of content and the fight against illegal material. Mrs Zafeiratou explained that the first assessment of the European framework will take place in 2008 and that national codes of conduct are currently being prepared in several European countries.

As far as the provision of products and technological services adapted to children is concerned, Mrs Anne Clarke from the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, underlined that the technological sector should take an increased interest in the need of young consumers by exchanging good practices and adopting guidelines and strategies in order to minimise the risk. She regrets the absence of data on the nature and frequency of the risk to which children are confronted, which complicated the work of prevention. Finally, Mrs Clarke insisted on the necessity to include courses on the safer use of media in educational programmes.

Tobjorn Ull from the Crime Against Persons unit of Europol, informed the participants of the Europol programmes to prosecute authors of sexual crimes on the internet, including joint initiatives with Member States, as well as procedures to identify providers and networks. He indicated that the major obstacle is the non-application of existing legislation. Finally, he recalled Europol's role in the retransmission of information to national and international agencies.

"Given the evolution of the media environment, it is necessary to sensitise children, parents and educators to a safer use of new technology, which would be respectful of the law. Prevention and increased parental control will always remain the best weapons against the danger of new technologies", stated Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou and Mrs Hieronymi.

For further information:
Tel: +32-2-2845447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

Ruth Hieronymi MEP
Tel: +32-2-2845859, Fax: +32-2-2849859
E-mail: ruth.hieronymi@europarl.europa.eu

BETTER CONCILIATION OF FAMILY LIFE WITH A PERIOD OF STUDIES OR TRAINING

19/06/2007: The plenary session of the European Parliament approved by a large majority the report of Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP entitled "Towards a regulatory framework for measures to reconcile family life and a period of studies for young women in the EU".

The report, which was unanimously adopted on the 5th of June by the Women's Rights Committee, contains several recommendations which aim to enable young people to reconcile their period of studies or training with family responsibilities, maternity or paternity leave, or in situations of care for dependent persons such as disabled or elderly people.

The report underlines that the later achievement of the different stages of life (studies, work, family) is responsible, amongst others, for Europe's demographic decline.

It encourages the Commission and the Member States to promote policies for the conciliation of a period of studies or training and family life and to provide interested young people with the resources that correspond to their needs.

It invites Member States to propose low-cost social security schemes for students and trainees which could be extended to their dependents as well as to facilitate the provision of bank loans for students and to reduce or suppress the taxation of young people who take up family responsibilities in parallel with their studies, training or professional activity.

The report regrets that all the Member States have not yet complied with the Barcelona objectives on childcare facilities and encourages the creation of such structures within universities or professional institutes. As far as older children are concerned, the report encourages Member States to provide students with good quality and low-cost care facilities.

It recommends the establishment of a national certification system which would enable the identification of Higher Education Institutions which offer possibilities for the conciliation of studies and family life.

The report also invites the Member States and social partners to facilitate lifelong learning and its conciliation with family and professional life. It calls for the suppression of all restrictions to complementary paid work activities for students as long as the amounts received do not exceed the threshold set by each Member State.

Finally it calls on Member States to examine whether family responsibilities are a factor of abandonment of studies, especially for young women.

For further information: Tel: +32-2-2847447 Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos@europarl.europa.eu

BETTER CONCILIATION OF FAMILY LIFE AND A PERIOD OF STUDIES OR TRAINING

06/06/2007: By Theo Georgitsopoulos

A large majority of the European Parliament approved the report of Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP (GR) entitled "Towards a regulatory framework for measures to reconcile family life and a period of studies for young women in the EU".

The report contains several recommendations which aim to enable young people to conciliate their period of studies or training with family responsibilities, either maternity or paternity leave or in situations of care for dependent persons such as disabled or elderly people. It also stresses the fact that the later achievement of the different stages of life (studies, work and family) is responsible, amongst others, for Europe's demographic decline.

Mrs Panayotopoulos' report encourages the Commission and the Member States to promote policies for the conciliation of a period of studies or training and family life and to provide interested young people with the resources that correspond to their needs. It invites Member States to propose low cost social security schemes for students and trainees which could be extended to their dependents as well as to facilitate the provision of bank loans for students and to reduce or suppress the taxation of young people who take up family responsibilities in parallel with their studies, training or professional activity.

The report also invites Member States and social partners to facilitate lifelong learning and its conciliation with family and professional life. It calls for the suppression of all restrictions to complementary paid work activities for students as long as the amounts received do not exceed the threshold set by each Member State. Finally, it calls on Member States to examine whether family responsibilities are a factor of abandonment of studies, especially for young women.

DECENT WORK FOR ALL - EP APPROVES REPORT OF MARIE PANAYOTOPOULOS-CASSIOTOU MEP

23/05/2007: The plenary session of the European Parliament approved, with a large majority, the report of Greek MEP Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou on promoting decent work for all. The main objective of the report is to express the opinion of the European Parliament on the Commission Communication on 'Promoting decent work for all - the EU contribution to the implementation of the decent work agenda in the world'. Apart from the core labour standards, the agenda includes the promotion of creating new jobs, guaranteeing social rights at work, including the conditions of health and safety at work, extending social protection, promoting social dialogue and conflict resolution on the basis of information and consultation. The European Parliament, like the European Council (2767 Employment Council meeting on the 1/12/2006), endorses the meaning of 'decent work' which was proposed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2000 and approved by the UN Summit of Heads of State and Government (September 2005), the high-level segment of the UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the European Commission (May 2006).

Speaking in the debate, the rapporteur mentioned, among others, that the countersigning of the social objectives by the European Union is particularly significant within a period that the rules of globalisation follow a logic of increased liberalisation in all the spheres of economic and social policies and drive towards a segmented global labour market.

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou pointed out that human dignity is a basic value which every economic and development policy should promote at national, European and global level. The productive and full employment under conditions of guaranteeing equal pay and social protection as well as the promotion of social dialogue under conditions of good governance where there is no corruption, should be an integral part of the internal policies of the Member States and the trade and development policies of the EU. The achievement of the above objectives will depend on a roadmap engraved by all European Institutions and the social partners taking into account the need to ensure fair competition for all to establish a social dimension of globalisation and contribute to its transformation into an opportunity of a global well-being.

For further information:
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP, Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos@europarl.europa.eu

FIGHT AGAINST VIOLENCE: DAPHNE III ADOPTED BY THE EP

22/05/2007: The report on the Daphne III Programme has been approved by the vast majority of the European Parliament. This programme aims on one hand at combating violence and the prevention of violence against women, children and young persons and on the other hand at the protection of victims who belong to these sensitive social groups, through the creation of cross-border networks, the support of NGOs and the exchange of best practices.

The financing of this new programme is spectacularly higher than the previous programmes (€116.85m compared to €50m), which is why expectations are so high. The aim is to consolidate freedom, safety and justice within the European space and to confront phenomena, like violence and white slavery, which after the enlargement of the EU are more common. "The wide financing will add value to the action of previous successful DAPHNE Programmes, but also in other initiatives of Member States for the prevention of violent behaviour and the support of the victims", said the shadow rapporteur, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (EPP-ED, GR).

Commenting on the application of the programme, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou stressed:

• the need for organised action in the field of education and the sensitisation of social conscience towards the fight against every form of violence;
• transparency at the evaluation and selection of plans of action and the financing of Networks and NGOs and;
• connection with other European programmes which aim at social cohesion and integration, such as the PROGRESS Programme, or strategies for the protection of fundamental rights, such as the future Strategy for the Rights of the Child.

The DAPHNE III Programme, for which the Committee on Women's Rights of the EP unanimously asked for and achieved it's separation from the Programme of Prevention of Drugs, is the continuation of the successful DAPHNE I and DAPHNE II Programmes which began in 1997 and 2000 respectively. DAPHNE, since it began, has financed 420 programmes, most of which contributed to the modification of national legislation, encouraged the role of NGOs and the collaboration between all the interested parties such as the citizens and the national and local authorities. The success of the DAPHNE Programme lies in approaching the term 'violence' in its widest sense including not only corporal and psychological dimensions, but also sexual.

Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou expressed the wish that the progress in the fight against violence be so fast that violence will soon be a thing of the past in the EU and we will only have to conquer it at international level.

For further information:
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP, Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
Email: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

CELEBRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE FAMILY: MEETING IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

16/05/2007: The European Parliament joined the celebrations for the International Day of the Family in the framework of a meeting organised on 15 May by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP. This meeting, which was preceded by a press conference, gathered MEPs, international experts as well as family NGO representatives, in order to address two important issues for families: the education of children regarding the media and the financial situation of families.

Dr Ted Baehr, Director of Movie Guide Magazine (USA) and an internationally renowned expert, was a key speaker at this event during which he addressed the issue of the impact of the media on children. Dr Baehr presented alarming figures which demonstrate the addiction of children to the media and the effect of the latter on the living habits of families: US statistics show that children devote over 63,000 hours per year to the media compared to 11,000 hours for school. Parents only discuss two minutes per day with their children. Dr Baehr underlined the fact that the adoption of a selective behaviour regarding media content relies greatly on the participation and responsibility of parents who must assume their educational role. He also mentioned the importance of establishing an ethical code to which movie companies could subscribe in order to ensure the quality of their productions from an ethical and family perspective. Finally, Dr Baehr stressed that according to recent statistics, movie productions that convey moral values are particularly successful among the public and are economically more profitable.

Intervening on the topic of the financial situation of families, Mr Laszlo Marki, Vice-President of the European Large Families Confederation, recalled that 16% of the EU's population is threatened by poverty and underlined the importance of providing financial support to families given that the cost of life is constantly increasing. He then presented a call to the European Commission, supported by a coalition of European family NGOs, for a reduced VAT rate on products and services for children. Mr Marki reminded participants that the European Commission, in the framework of its action towards family-friendly policies, committed itself to finding a legal base in order to include nappies among the products that could benefit from a reduced VAT rate.

MEPs expressed their support for the proposal of the family NGOs and committed to promoting it at the European Commission and among their respective governments in order to contribute to the creation of the necessary conditions for demographic renewal. Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou stated that the success of such an initiative would constitute a strong and symbolic message of the interest of the EU for families and children in Europe.

For further information:
Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE FAMILY: SEMINAR IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

14/05/2007: Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Member of the European Parliament (EPP-ED, GR) and Chairwoman of the Intergroup for the Protection of Family and Childhood, is organising a seminar on the Mass Media, the Education of Children and the Financial Condition of Families with Children. The seminar will be held in Brussels, 15 May 2007, on the occasion of the International Day of the Family.

Ted Baehr and Laslo Marki are the primary speakers at the seminar. Ted Baehr, Director of the magazine Movie Guide, will address the issue 'The addiction of children to Mass Media' and will propose ways to guide children towards constructive use of mass media. The American specialist will present five ways that can effectively help parents and governments to show children how to take full advantage of mass media.

Laslo Marki, Vice-President of the European Confederation of Large Families, will discuss the financial condition of families with children. He will also introduce the proposal of several family organisations to decrease VAT imposed on infant products.

The issues of the seminar will be discussed at a press conference in the press room of the European Parliament, between 14.30-15.30 hrs.

For further information:
Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

50 YEARS OF THE EU: SOCIAL ASSESSMENT AND PERSPECTIVES.

26/04/2007: Joint meeting of the Intergroup on Family and Protection of Childhood and the Fourth World European Committee Intergroup co-chaired by Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou and Mr Mendez de Vigo.

The Intergroup on Family and Protection of Childhood, together with the Fourth World European Committee Intergroup, organised yesterday in the EP in Strasbourg a meeting on the evolution of the social and family situation in Europe since the establishment of the European Community, as well as on the integration of these dimensions in the negotiations on the Constitutional Treaty. The meeting, which was co-chaired by Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou and Mr Mendez de Vigo gathered together Members of the Parliament, EU civil servants and NGOs.

The meeting highlighted the fact that over 16% of the EU's population lives below the poverty threshold with children, migrants, large families, lone parents or disabled persons being particularly at risk. All speakers agreed that poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon that concerns not only monetary poverty but also fundamental human rights and includes aspects of discrimination, exclusion and limitation of options and choices.

During her intervention, Mrs Annelise Oeschger, President of the INGO of the Council of Europe, recalled the difficulties that preceded the establishment of a European social inclusion policy. She underlined that the adoption, in 1989, of the European Social Charter represented a significant step towards the definition of a specific legal base in the field of social exclusion and poverty which was finally substantiated in the Treaty of Amsterdam. Mrs Oeschger also recalled that the Open Method of Coordination in the field of social inclusion constitutes an important tool for the exchange and definition of policies targeted towards the eradication of poverty and inequalities in the labour market as well as full employment.

Mr Lay, Director of the Confederation of Family Organisations of the EU (COFACE), recalled that families and children are particularly vulnerable to poverty. While recalling the activities of the COFACE at EU level, Mr Lay expressed his satisfaction regarding the increased commitment of the European Commission to promote family friendly policies and insisted on the need to enable parents to conciliate family and professional life.

Mr Pacheco from the Constitutional Affairs Committee underlined that the integration of the social dimension into the negotiations on the Constitutional Treaty depended on the will of the Member States to change the objectives in order to highlight the social situation.

Mrs Panayotopoulos concluded the meeting by calling to mind that the European Spring Council reiterated the necessity to reinforce the social and economic cohesion in the EU with particular attention towards the eradication of child poverty. She added that the Council approved the proposal of the German Presidency to create an Alliance for Families. Mrs Panayotopoulos underlined that "the approval of a European Alliance for Families constitutes an additional step towards the inclusion of families in the European political agenda and the recognition of their contribution to the improvement of the demographic situation and the economic and social development of the EU". Mr. Mendez de Vigo recalled the necessity to integrate the social dimension in the new proposal for a Constitutional Treaty and stressed the importance of the EP's contribution to the future Intergovernmental Convention.

For further information:
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP, Tel: +32-2-2847447, Fax: +32-2-2849447

TOWARDS AN EU STRATEGY ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

17/04/2007: A hearing entitled "Towards an EU strategy on the rights of the child" will be jointly organised by seven parliamentary committees on Tuesday 17 April in the European Parliament.

Different panels of experts will debate judicial, economic and social aspects of children's rights with MEPs.

EPP-ED Rapporteurs Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP (Greece) and Antonio López-Istúriz MEP (Spain) will participate. Anna Záborská MEP (Slovakia), Chair of the Committee on Women's Rights, will also make one of the introductory statements.

Programme:

9:00 - 10:30 OPENING

Introductory statements by:

Mr Jean-Marie Cavada, Chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Ms Anna Záborská, Chair of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

Ms Roberta Angelilli, Rapporteur of the lead Committee (LIBE), European Parliament

Representative of the German Presidency (tbc)

Vice-President Franco Frattini, European Commission

Ms Verena Taylor, Representative of the Council of Europe, Presentation of the work of the Council of Europe in the field of Children's Rights

Ms Marta Santos Pais, Director of the UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre: The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): a Universal Child Rights Framework

Question time

10:30 - 12:30 Part I: CHILDREN'S RIGHTS: SOME KEY ISSUES

Chair: Ms Angelilli, Ms Kinnock, Ms Gröner, Mr López-Istúriz

10:30-10:40 Mainstreaming Children's Rights in the EU, Ms Mieke Schuurman, EURONET

10:40-10:50 An EU Strategy on children in External Relations, Ms Lieve Fransen, Head of Unit, DG Development, European Commission

10:50-11:10 Debate

With the participation of children:

11:10-11:30 Implementing Children's participation in the EU: Results of the consultation based on the child friendly version of the Communication on the Strategy on the Rights of the Child in EU Member States, Ms Olivia Lind Haldorsson, Save the Children

11:30-11:50 Implementing Children's participation outside the EU: Results of the external consultation based on the child friendly version of the Communication on the Strategy on the Rights of the Child, Ms Deepali Sood, Plan Europe

11:50-12:00 The European legal regime regarding parental abduction of children: the loopholes of the current system, Ms Anne-Marie Hutchinson, Head of the Children Department, Dawson & Cornwell, United Kingdom

12:00-12:30 Debate

15:00 - 16:30 Part II: CHILDREN AND VIOLENCE

Chair: Ms Angelilli, Ms Panayotopoulos

15:00-15:20 Presentation of the UN Study on Violence against children, Professor Paulo Pinheiro, UN independent expert

15:20-15:35 Presentation of the Thematic Report on the Rights of the child, Professor Maja Eriksson, Member of the former Network of Experts on Fundamental Rights

15:35-15:50 Special needs and vulnerabilities of a female child, Ms Christa Stolle, Secretary General for the NGO "Terre des Femmes"

15:50-16:00 Prevention of infanticide and assistance to mothers at risk, Ms Erminia Cozza, Legal advisor of "Civil rights in 2000 - Saving babies and mothers"

16:00-16:30 Debate

16:30 - 17:30 Part III: CHILDREN AT RISK

Chair: Ms Angelilli, Ms Belohorská, Ms Panayatopoulos, M. López-Istúriz

16:30-16:40 Children refugees and asylum seeking children, Ms Judith Kumin, UNHCR

16:40-16:50 The problem of birth registration, Ms Marta Santos Pais, Director of the UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre

16:50-17:00 Abandoned children, Mr Jozef Miklosko, President of the Society of Friends of Children from Children's Homes

17:00-17:10 The example of the hotline for children at risk in Spain, Mr Luis Estebaranz Prieto, Anar Foundation (Ayuda a Niños y Adolescentes en Riesgo)

17:10-17:30 Debate

17:30 - 18:30 Part IV: CHILDREN AND POVERTY

Chair: Ms Angelilli, Mr Papadimoulis, Ms Gröner

17:30-17:45 Child poverty and social inclusion: Presentation of a review of 23 national reports on social inclusion, Jana Hainsworth, Eurochild

17:45-18:00 Children's Economic Rights, Ms Jeroo Billimoria, Executive Director of Aflatoun, Child Savings International

18:00-18:30 Debate and concluding remarks