02/05/2006: Following an invitation from the French National Union of Family Associations (UNAF), Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP (EPP-ED, GR), participated in the session of the University of Families on the topic 'How can the voice of families be heard in Europe?' on Wednesday 26 April. The session, which was broadcast live on internet, heard speeches by Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Pierre Strobel, Responsible for the Directorate for Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics (DREES), and Béatrice Houchard, journalist and author of the book 'The family, a new idea in Europe'.
Whilst recalling the absence of a European policy for the family, the interactive debate underlined the impact that European decisions can have on the lives of families, the consequences of mobility on the family environment and the measures that should be taken to facilitate the free movement of workers and their families. In addition, the discussions focused on ways to take into account the needs of families, including more participation from Family Organisations in the decision-making processes. In this regard, participants highlighted the necessity for a better organisation of the COFACE (Confederation of Family Organisations of the EU) and a more dynamic participation in European fora and institutions.
In her speech, Mrs Panayotopoulos recalled the necessity of better integration of the family dimension both in national and European policies and stressed that only horizontal policies of support and valorisation of the family could help alleviate the long-term consequences of demographic ageing and the socio-economic challenges it creates.
The renewal of generations could help strengthen intergenerational solidarity and increase the potential of growth by providing a new dynamism to European development and competitiveness. It would, in the long term, be the answer to the problem of the pensions systems' financing. To this effect, Mrs Panayotopoulos underlined that family policies should accompany families in their desire for children by providing, among others, a favourable social and labour environment (flexible working hours, increased maternity protection, appropriate parental leave, services of care, favourable taxation measures etc).
Finally, Mrs Panayotopoulos presented the activities of the Intergroup on 'Family and Protection of Childhood', which she chairs in the European Parliament, and explained the contribution of the Intergroup to the promotion of the interests and the defence of the rights of families and children in the EU.
The conference ended with a question and answer session with internet users who had followed the speeches and debates online. Anyone interested in the conference debates, can find them on the UNAF internet site
Whilst recalling the absence of a European policy for the family, the interactive debate underlined the impact that European decisions can have on the lives of families, the consequences of mobility on the family environment and the measures that should be taken to facilitate the free movement of workers and their families. In addition, the discussions focused on ways to take into account the needs of families, including more participation from Family Organisations in the decision-making processes. In this regard, participants highlighted the necessity for a better organisation of the COFACE (Confederation of Family Organisations of the EU) and a more dynamic participation in European fora and institutions.
In her speech, Mrs Panayotopoulos recalled the necessity of better integration of the family dimension both in national and European policies and stressed that only horizontal policies of support and valorisation of the family could help alleviate the long-term consequences of demographic ageing and the socio-economic challenges it creates.
The renewal of generations could help strengthen intergenerational solidarity and increase the potential of growth by providing a new dynamism to European development and competitiveness. It would, in the long term, be the answer to the problem of the pensions systems' financing. To this effect, Mrs Panayotopoulos underlined that family policies should accompany families in their desire for children by providing, among others, a favourable social and labour environment (flexible working hours, increased maternity protection, appropriate parental leave, services of care, favourable taxation measures etc).
Finally, Mrs Panayotopoulos presented the activities of the Intergroup on 'Family and Protection of Childhood', which she chairs in the European Parliament, and explained the contribution of the Intergroup to the promotion of the interests and the defence of the rights of families and children in the EU.
The conference ended with a question and answer session with internet users who had followed the speeches and debates online. Anyone interested in the conference debates, can find them on the UNAF internet site
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