2010 - 2014: NEW EUROPEAN STRATEGY ON THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS

13/02/2009: The EU establishes a strategy for the protection of the rights of children on its territory, through its internal and external policies. In that respect, MEP Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP (EPP-ED,GR), Chairwoman of the Intergroup on 'Family and Protection of Childhood', asked the Commission what its efforts have achieved so far, whether there is recognition at European level of the rights of the unborn child - healthy or disabled, and how they are implemented.

In a written answer, the Commission declared that "since the adoption of the 2006 Communication 'Towards a Strategy on the rights of the child', the Commission has committed itself to undertake concrete actions in view of combating any form of violation of children's rights. The Commission foresees to present a new strategy on the rights of the child for the period 2010 - 2014. To this end, a public consultation is ongoing.
European action is focused on the inclusion of children's rights in all policies, but also on the consideration of these same rights when undertaking concrete actions, within the framework of EU's competences.
The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights guarantees the principle of inviolability of Human dignity. It is up to each Member to determine the pertinence of the application of this principle to the unborn child.The determination of whether the principle of inviolability of human dignity comprises the embryo or not as well as the determination of the legal personality of the embryo lies within the competences of the Member States.
The EU has no competence on this issue" concluded the European Commission.

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

THE PROMOTION OF TOY SAFETY BY THE EUROPEAN UNION

05/09/2008: The Intergroup on Family and Protection of Childhood of the European Parliament, under the Presidency of Greek MEP Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, with the active collaboration of the Vice-Chairman José Ribeiro e Castro MEP, and the friendly support of the Intergroup on SMEs, convened during the plenary session in Brussels, on Thursday 4 September 2008, in order to discuss the revision of the Directive 88/378/CEE concerning bringing together Member States' laws relating to the safety of toys.

Among the speakers, Mrs Van Rijn, General-Secretary of ORNES (the Dutch Toys Supplier Organisation) and the Foundation 'SpeelGoed' (Netherlands) underlined the importance of play in the education of the child, offering a pedagogical vision to the meeting. Playing allows the child to develop its behaviour, its skills and to forge its personality. It is thus essential that toys are safe and well secure so that the child uses them with a maximum of protection.

Maureen Logghe, Policy Officer for 'Toys Safety Legislation' within the DG Entreprise of the European Commission, presented the Commission's proposal which reinforces not only the safety requirements of the toys but also the obligation to monitor the markets, the manufacturers and the suppliers. It is thus within this framework that a draft report was tabled by the Belgian MEP Marianne Thyssen within the Interior Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) of the EP.
From his side, Daryl Srivens, member of the 'Toys Industries of Europe', presented the view of the industry relating to toy safety, approving the Commission's approach with regards to dangerous substances, while explaining the increasing constraints which this sector faces.

The debate which followed emphasised the position of the Members of the IMCO Committee as well as the vision of the family and consumer protection organisations. Critics arose against the CE marking, which is obligatory and must be visible on packing but often leads to confusion because it is not provided by an independent organisation but by the manufacturers themselves. Moreover, the question of the manufacturer's responsibility was raised in case of accident caused by a toy, thus leaving the problem of census of children's accidents within the European Union outstanding.

In conclusion, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou declared: "Considering the fact that toys represent an important part of the child's education and contribute to a smooth evolution of their behaviour and character, it is essential that the existing security standards are respected in order to guarantee children's protection". The deputy wished that the European Toy Market, including imported toys, will give an example of security standards on a worldwide scale.

REDUCED VAT RATES ON BABY DIAPERS. JOSÉ RIBEIRO E CASTRO MEP AND MARIE PANAYOTOPOULOS-CASSIOUTOU MEP

10/07/2008: "The Commission has fulfilled what it had promised us, but it is important to go further in helping families."

"It is good to see a happy ending to three years of work and continuous pressure on the responsible persons." This was the message today from José Ribeiro e Castro MEP and Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassioutou MEP, after receiving the Commission's official information on its proposal to change the Directive 2006/112/EC of the Council which will, among other things, solve the dispute on VAT rates for children's nappies.

The Intergroup of Family and Protection of Childhood, Presided by Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou and Mr Ribeiro e Castro, Vice-Chairman, has undertaken several initiatives aiming to show the public and the European Commission the unfairness of the different VAT rates on children's nappies.

"It is an absurd situation in that the Commission believes that adult incontinence protection can be subject to lower VAT rates but not children's nappies", reiterated Ribeiro e Castro and Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou. "This new proposal aims to correct this obvious anomaly."

Both parliamentarians agree that it is necessary to go further in the efforts not to penalise the inevitable expenditure made by families with children. "As we already proposed at European level a year ago, when celebrating the International Day of Family (15 May 2007), we believe that VAT rates should be lowered in child care products thus giving a positive sign to family and demography. The Commission's initiative is, in the Commission's own words, 'just a first step' addressing the 'urgent cases' and limited to 'technical drafting adaptations'", said the MEPs. "So, we are going to struggle for a more global review of this Directive. The Council has regrettably been quite late in giving the necessary guidance to this process of getting governments to treat families in a non-hostile way, especially where basic care for children is concerned. Governments should be accountable for this matter."

"We understand that the Commission cannot go further right now and it is crucially important that it can have the support of the 27 Member States for, at least, this limited package of technical adjustments. It would be positive that, within the legislative programme announced in 2008, the European Union, through the European Commission, might be able to effectively fulfil what it had publicly promised and announced on July 19 2006, in the framework of the requests for information to the European Commission sent to Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Portugal in the form of letters of formal notice to several Member States about their application of reduced VAT rates for children's nappies.

"It should also be taken into account the need to dissipate the doubts about reduced VAT rates on child car seats", as Ribeiro e Castro called to the Commission's attention some months ago.

"But it is incomprehensible that there is discrimination between the Member States in items such as children's clothing and shoes where the States apply different VAT rates. If the European Commission is about to solve the discrepancy between other areas (such as housing) it is incomprehensible that the difference is kept in Member States in such relevant products as children's clothing and shoes.

COFACE, THE VOICE OF FAMILIES IN THE EU, CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

03/06/2008: On June 3rd 2008, during an event held in the European Economic and Social Committee, in Brussels, several European high officials expressed their congratulations to the Confederation of Family Organisations in the EU (COFACE), on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.

In a video message, Commissioner Vladimir Špidla (video wmv 37MB) said in particular that ‘COFACE’s role has become increasingly important in voicing the daily concerns of families in their diversity to European decision makers’.

Similarly, Director general of DG EAC, Odile Quintin (video wmv 79MB), reminded of the ‘major role’ played by COFACE and that it ‘may be proud of what it has achieved as the voice of families at EU level’. She added that families still have an important role to play in the face of major stakes ahead, such as the demographic trends and the ageing population, climate change, environmental challenges and the issue of mobility.

For Director general Robert Madelin (video wmv 23MB), COFACE represents a ‘crucial partner’ for DG Sanco, as families are among the main beneficiaries of citizen policies developed by his DG. He encourages COFACE and its member organisations to continue to coordinate their activities in particular in the fields of alcohol and nutrition, and to use new information technologies for the purpose.

For Jillian Van Turnhout (video wmv 23MB), Vice-President of the European Economic and Social Committee, COFACE’s role is essential because ‘many European policies have an impact on the daily lives of families’.

Jérôme Vignon (video wmv 9MB), Director at DG Empl, recalled that ‘in the Europe of 27, the value and dynamism of family life are widely recognized’. He also in particular expressed his confidence that COFACE ‘will continue to embody a cohesive vision of solidarity in society’ and ‘to further take on the issue of equality between women and men’.

MEP Maria Panayatopoulos-Cassiotou (video wmv 4.7MB), Chair of the Intergroup on the Protection of families and children, wished that together ‘with COFACE, family-friendly policies may continue to be implemented by the various EU institutions, thus helping to make progress on the path towards a Europe with an increased human and family dimension’.

Former Director general of DG Empl, Jean Degimbe (video wmv 8MB), recalled his first contacts with one of the founders of COFACE, Joseph Gilles, and that ‘it was under COFACE’s pressure that, in 1983, a 1st European Parliament Resolution on European Family Policy was adopted, as the first Community text in the field, thanks to which we were able to start working on the issue’.

In his welcoming speech, EESC member Luca Jahier (video mpg 13.5MB) reminded participants that ‘COFACE was as old as the EU institutions and that family organisations were therefore among the first to develop a structured European civil dialogue’. He also congratulated COFACE for ‘its tenacity and determination’ in a sector that is not of direct EU competence.

After a brief historical summary of the organisation by COFACE’s Director William Lay, a panel discussion gathered successive Presidents (Kitty Harlin , Lucien Bouis, Steen Mogens Lasson and Yves Roland-Gosselin) to evoke with the participation of the floor the major – and minor – stages of COFACE’s development. Among the hundred or so participants, several former collaborators – voluntary workers and employees – were present in the room.

Finally, in a closing keynote speech, Robert Anderson (video wmv 20MB), from the Dublin Foundation, highlighted issues that, in his opinion, would be the future priorities relating to families at EU level. They were: improved flexible work arrangements and job quality, as they impact on family life; greater involvement of men in family responsibilities, also underlining the role of grandparents; necessary development of community services and their quality, in particular childcare and out-of-school activities, as well as elderly care; affordable quality housing. Lastly, he insisted on the important role of NGOs such as COFACE as the main connections with the grass-roots citizens.

In closing the meeting, President Yves Roland-Gosselin expressed his wish for the future: ‘By endeavouring to take the family dimension into account, Europe takes a big step forward towards citizens in their daily concerns. COFACE will continue to keep a watchful eye on developments in this respect during the coming 50 years…at least!’

Download the press release: COFACE, the Voice of Families in the EU, celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Photos: 50 years of history

Brochure: COFACE 1958-2008


Brochure: COFACE 1958-2008


You can also watch a funny video with the contributions of Vladimir Spidla, Odile Quintin, Robert Madelin, Dimitri Dimitriadis, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Lucien Bouis, Roshan di Puppo, Bill Seary, Jacques Devillers, Marion Offrey, Gauthier Burny, the Secretariat of the Social Platform and even our neighbours!

24/04/2008: Joint Meeting of the Family and Protection of Childhood Intergroup. Marie Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou MEP and Othmar Karas MEP

The Family and Protection of Childhood and the SME Intergroups met yesterday under the presidency of Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou and Othmar Karas to address the topic of family-friendly initiatives adopted by Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). The meeting, which gathered the participation of the Deputy Director-General of DG Enterprise and Industry of the European Commission, Françoise Lebail, the European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (UEAPME), and the European Centre for Workers' Questions (EZA) as well as representatives of the civil society, aimed at recalling SMEs' crucial contribution to economic and social development, and competition. The meeting also intended to analyse how SMEs take into consideration and respond to the families' special needs.

In this framework, Mrs Lebail underlined that during the past 5 years, 2/3 of new jobs were created in family companies and that 75% of the employees of the private sector work in SMEs. She recalled the need for a study concerning the identification of SMEs' specific characteristics at local and regional level. Taking into account the demographic problem, it is estimated that a 100 million companies per year undergo a change of ownership which is far more expensive than the opening of a new enterprise. In addition, SMEs have to deal with fiscal as well as financial difficulties to which one must add high administrative costs. Mrs Lebail underlined that the Commission launched the Small Business Act, which opened for consultations in March and has committed to reducing the administrative costs faced by SMEs by 24% until 2012. The European Commission reaffirmed its commitment to the respect of the principle of non-discrimination and the promotion of a better conciliation of family and professional life.

The representatives of UEAPME and EZA recalled the benefits of family-friendly measures for SMEs. They explained that SMEs face great difficulties to hire and keep qualified personnel and that in order to remain competitive towards bigger companies, they should offer favourable family conditions to their employees. They underlined the important external dimension which portrays SMEs as a positive image in the local and regional community and reaffirmed the role of SMEs as socially-responsible actors.

At the end of the debate, the Presidents of the Intergroups, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP and Othmar Karas MEP, recalled that the exchange of best practices between Member States remains the best solution for a long-term improvement in families' living conditions and wished for these exchanges to increase with time. More particularly, they referred to the German and French examples.

In 2003, the German Government launched the Federal Alliance for the Family, an initiative in collaboration with enterprises, social partners, trade unions and NGOs and created the programme 'Success Factor Families 2008' targeted at enterprises which award companies which have done the most for the family. In France, the Minister for Employment and the State Secretary for the Family presented a 'Charter of Parenting in Enterprises'. Its aim is to contribute to the evolution of the representations linked to parenting within the enterprises and to create a family-friendly environment for parent employees, in particular pregnant women.

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

Notes to Editors:
The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 288 Members from all 27 Member States.

''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.

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

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

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

PRESS CONFERENCE ON "FAMILIES IN EUROPE"

28/03/2007: Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP (EPP-ED , Greece ), President of the intergroup "Family and protection of childhood" of the European Parliament, will preside over a seminar "What future for the families in Europe?" taking place today, Wednesday, 28 March, in Brussels.

The seminar is organised in the context of preparing the World Congress of Families which will be held in Warsaw 11-13 May. The seminar will also facilitate the adoption of a resolution on the future of families in Europe.

The speakers include three members of the EPP-ED Group: Mario Mauro MEP (Italy ), Vice-President of the European Parliament, Ingo Friedrich MEP (Germany ), President of the movement "Paneuropa Union" and Quaestor of the European Parliament, and José Ribeiro e Castro MEP (Portugal ), as well as Stéphane Buffetaut, rapporteur for family of the Economic and Social Committee.

Two co-organisers, former EPP-ED MEP Elizabeth Montfort, President of "Femina Europa", and Giorgio Salina, President of the Association for the Foundation of Europe, will also speak at this event.

THE SITUATION OF LONE PARENT FAMILIES IN THE EU

26/10/2006: The Intergroup on Family and Protection of Childhood met today in Strasbourg under the chairmanship of Mrs. Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (EPP-ED, GR) to discuss the situation of lone parent families in the EU. The Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Mr Vladimir Spidla, was the keynote speaker of this event in which MEPs, NGO representatives and social partners participated.

The purpose of the meeting was to highlight the socio-economic difficulties faced by lone parent families, which represented in 2001 4.3 million families in the EU-15, as well as to address the potential impact of lone parenthood on the Commission's management of the demographic problem, the conciliation of family and professional life and the labour market.

During his intervention, the Commissioner indicated that the Commission would publish by the end of the year a study on lone parent families which would pay particular attention to the fact that 90% of lone parent families are headed by women. Mr Spidla explained that existing statistics on the extent of lone parenthood are not always a reflection of the reality since on the one hand, there are differing views as to the definition of lone parent families, and on the other hand, the data that has been collected does not cover all the aspects of this family situation. Although sometimes some lone parent families can take advantage of their situation to obtain fiscal, social and other types of advantages, the fact remains that these families are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion and poverty - it is estimated that one out of four lone parent families is poor according to EU criteria. The Commissioner underlined that support for lone parents could not exclusively rely on economic benefits but depended also on broader measures which would deal with the fact that lone parents' poverty is not only economic but also social, cultural and educational.

Mr Spidla pointed out that the Commission, while abiding by its neutral approach to family policies, would study closely the situation of lone parent families and present the Member States' best practices in this field with the purpose of proposing further measures relating both to the integration of these families within society and the labour market as well as to the well-being of children.

During the debate, MEPs and NGO representatives highlighted in particular the problems of exclusion and social integration of these families and their children. Most of them expressed their disappointment with the fact that the Commission does not indicate how to prevent and resolve the phenomenon of lone parent families but merely monitors its development.

MEETING OF THE INTERGROUP ON FAMILY AND PROTECTION OF CHILDHOOD: PRESENTATION OF THE EU STRATEGY ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

07/09/2006: The Intergroup on "Family and Protection of Childhood" of the European Parliament convened yesterday under the Presidency of Greek MEP (EPP-ED), Mrs Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, to discuss the recent Communication of the Commission on "an EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child".

The Vice-President of the European Commission and competent Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security, Mr Franco Frattini, was the keynote speaker at this event which gathered a large number of MEPs, representatives of the Council of Europe, the Economic and Social Committee, UNICEF and family NGOs. The Commissioner presented the latest developments generated by the Communication and the objectives of the Commission in the field of the rights of the child.

Presenting the Commission's Communication, the Commissioner pointed out that this was the first time that the Commission has adopted a horizontal approach and overall strategy for the protection and promotion of the rights of the child within the external and internal relations of the EU. Thus, it covers a large spectrum of policies, such as civil and penal law, employment, education and health as well as development cooperation and trade negotiations with third countries. Under this initiative, children acquire an entity and are considered as full citizens on an equal footing with adults. They are also given the opportunity to participate in the deliberations for the decisions which concern them.

Commenting on the text, the Commissioner stressed that the objective of the Commission is not to present new legislation, but rather use existing ones in order to achieve, as soon as possible, substantial results in the protection of the rights of the child which would be mainstreamed in all European policies. In this regard, transparency and consultation of children are working methods of great importance for the Commission. The role of the future European Coordinator for the Rights of the Child, whose duties will include the development of a close cooperation among the fourteen competent DGs of the European Commission and the creation of a permanent European Forum for the Rights of the Child, will also be of great importance. Mr Frattini emphasised that within the European Forum, public and private authorities of the Member States, international and European organisations, NGOs and children will exchange ideas and information on best practices. It will also have a catalyst role in the planning and implementation of the national policies based on the needs and interests of children.

Furthermore, the Commissioner informed the public of the implementation of specific measures for the protection of children such as the creation of European telephone lines for immediate help/aid which will be operational by the end of 2006, the creation of a website specifically designed for children, the support of banks in their fight against the use of credit cards for the acquisition of pornographic material, along with an adequate use of the activities funded by the DAPHNE programme and the promotion of the role of EUROPOL in the fight against criminal activities targeted at children. He underlined that during 2007 the Commission would present a new Communication on the fight against child poverty within the framework of development cooperation.

In response to questions of the assembly concerning the role of the family in the normal development of the child, the Commissioner stated that although family issues were of national competence, the Commission is planning to encourage family cohesion with adequate means. As far as the paedophilia party in the Netherlands is concerned, Mr Frattini indicated that the Commission could not intervene directly on this issue, but along with the Dutch Government it would closely follow any violation of the rights of children and take all appropriate dissuasive measures.

During the Press Conference that followed the meeting, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou stated that " the new Strategy on the rights of the child should facilitate the adoption, at national level, of a dynamic policy for children which would consider the best interest of the child as a major criterion of any action and would encourage the active and responsible participation of children both in family and social life". In accordance with the Commissioner's intervention, she stressed the importance of the role of the coordinator for children and the need for this function to be created in all Member States.

FOLLOW-UP OF THE EUROPEAN STRATEGY ON CHILDREN'S RIGHTS: MEETING OF THE INTERGROUP FAMILY AND PROTECTION OF CHILDHOOD

21/06/2007: The Intergroup Family and Protection of Childhood met today in the EP in Strasbourg, under the Presidency of Mrs Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, to discuss the follow-up of the Commission Communication on a Future Strategy on the Rights of the Child. The meeting aimed in particular at exchanging views with the draftsperson, Mrs Angelilli, in view of the preparation of the Parliament report. The meeting, during which rapporteurs from different parliamentary Commissions expressed their views, reunited many interested parliamentarians, as well as representatives from the Council of Europe and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou underlined that a number of initiatives have been undertaken after the adoption of the Commission Communication and especially the nomination of a coordinator in the European Commission for the rights of the child, the establishment of a telephone line for missing children and the organisation of the first forum on the rights of the child which took place in Berlin on 4 June. She regretted that both the hearing organised in the European Parliament in April as well as the Commission Communication essentially focused on the child as a victim and not as a holder of rights and obligations, and insisted on the importance to recognise and promote the role of the family as the fundamental cell for the better development and protection of the child.

The rapporteur of the DROI Committee, Mrs Belohorska, drew the attention of the participants to specific problems which should be addressed in the Parliament's report and the Commission's works. Among these priorities, she mentioned the registration of births that is still lacking in certain regions of the world, the protection of children's health, including mental health, the treatment of refugee children, as well as the involvement of children in military conflicts. She finally indicated that a better control of arms sales could put an end to these situations, where children are both participants and victims.

Mrs Angelilli underlined that the target of the strategy was not only to prevent the abuse towards children, but also to promote their rights as independent legal personalities and as citizens. To this effect, the participation of children in the decision-making process should be evaluated. Furthermore, Mrs Angelilli expressed her concern on the increasing phenomenon of child pornography, especially through the internet, and mentioned in this regard that an internet site is organising a 'love boy day'. She recalled that the EU should combat these crimes, especially through the exchange of information between Member States on convictions, a better coordination of actions at national level and insisted on an increased use of Community programmes, such as DAPHNE. Finally, Mrs Angelilli indicated that in order to cope with the absence of a specific legal base at Community level on the issue of the rights of the child, Commissioner Frattini proposed that the Member States should establish a coordinator at national level and that they should establish a network of exchange of good practices.

In the debate that followed, the participants expressed their concerns over the effectiveness of community actions, given the absence of a legal base for the rights of the child.

At the end of the meeting, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou expressed her hope that the strategy will be implemented through a programme of global actions, in which the civil society will have an active role.

THE FUTURE OF EUROPE DEPENDS ON YOUNG PEOPLE: MEETING OF THE INTERGROUP ON FAMILY AND PROTECTION OF CHILDHOOD CHAIRED

14/07/2005: The meeting of the intergroup on "Family and the protection of Childhood" which took place during the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg, gathered the participation of the Commissioner for Education and Culture Mr Jan Figel, Mr Martin Toman, representative of the World Youth Alliance and Mr Bruno Lachesnaie, Vice Director of the Department on social development and public services of the French Agricultural scheme (CCMSA) and founding member of the European Network of Agricultural social protection schemes.

The meeting aimed at getting acquainted with the European Youth Pact which was adopted at the Spring European Council in March 2005.

The Commissioner, Mr Figel, while presenting the European Youth Pact, underlined that Europe's future increasingly depends on its ability to foster societies that are child and youth friendly. With the adoption of this Pact, as part of the revised Lisbon Strategy, the European Council recognised that integrating young people in society and working life, and making better use of their potential are essential for ensuring a return to sustained and sustainable growth in Europe. Consequently, this initiative seeks to pursue actions in the areas of education, training and mobility, social advancement and promotion of young people, employment and reconciliation of family and working life. The Commissioner underlined that the success of this initiative, depended mostly on the mobilisation of youth organisations, regional and local authorities and the social partners. Furthermore, the Commissioner announced with enthusiasm that the "General Youth Assembly" will be held in Brussels and other regions of Europe, making use of new technologies.

Mr Toman presented the activities of the World Youth Alliance, a global organisation for young people. The speaker insisted on the fight against poverty and social exclusion which affect especially young people because of the high rates of unemployment.

Finally, Mr Lachesnaie pointed out the difficulties that young people meet especially in rural areas, such as the lack of financial facilities, less opportunities for high level education and training, less jobs and limited access to vocational training and career advancement. Mr Lachesnaie strongly invited the European Commission and the Member States to present specific priorities and measures regarding young people in rural areas.

Concluding the meeting, Mrs Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou, President of the Intergroup on “Family and the Protection of Childhood”, congratulated the Commissioner and the other participants for their interventions. Considering the demographic changes Europe is facing, Mrs Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou pointed out the fact that nowadays, it is more than ever necessary to promote an active involvement of young people in the economic life. The freshness of their ideas and honesty could contribute to the creation of a dynamic, social and open Europe.