MEASURES TO IMPROVE EQUALITY BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN

17/07/2008: The report on Equality Between Women and Men 2008 was adopted today by the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. The report reiterates the dual nature of gender mainstreaming at EU level, on the one hand ensuring equality between women and men in all policy areas and, on the other hand, targeted measures to curb discrimination against women. These measures include awareness-raising campaigns, the exchange of best practices, dialogues with citizens and public-private partnership initiatives.

EPP-ED Shadow Rapporteur, Marie Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou, stressed: The report gives special importance to combating violence against women and calls on the Member States and the Commission to take new adequate measures. It also considers that women's participation in decision-making at local, national and EU levels and in NGOs is insufficient and therefore asks for actions to improve the situation. The report also calls for measures to improve the situation of women in the labour market, the quality of employment, and the participation in lifelong programmes and pays special attention to disabled women, women with dependants, elderly women, minority and immigrant women.

The report draws attention to the feminisation of poverty, when women, especially elderly women and single mothers, are at risk of exclusion and poverty. Furthermore, it recognises the key role of reconciliation between work, private and family lives and asks for best practices for an effective work-life balance and greater involvement of men in family life. In this framework, the report calls on regional and local authorities to improve the quality and accessibility of child services and those responsible in companies to include workforce management plans to make it easier for employees to return to work after a career break.

Marie Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou MEP, concluded: "The Communication is quite declarative and repeats previous European engagements without real innovation. The increase of women in the labour market has not been accompanied by the expected rise in the quality of their activities. The EP calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve their access and participation, especially in sectors such as high-technology, research, science and engineering, in which they are under-represented. Appropriate measures should be undertaken in order to tackle stereotypes at all levels of education and employment. The increase of the quality of employment will be the result of lifelong learning and education programmes at every level. Social partners, civil society and media should help to raise awareness in this matter. Moreover, attention must be given to the situation of spouses helping in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, the crafts industry, small family businesses and trade. Finally, the EP report underlines that the role of men is essential in the promotion of equality."

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!

COMBATING POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION

17/06/2008: The majority of the European Parliament today adopted a report by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP at first reading on '2010, the European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion'. The allocated budget - €17m - represents the highest budget ever granted to a European Year, thus demonstrating its high political importance.

The aim of the European Year is to reaffirm the Union's commitment to solidarity, social justice, greater cohesion, and to promote consistency as well as boosting support for the overarching objectives of the Union, by making a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty. Currently in the EU, almost 78m people are living at risk of poverty. The European Year should raise public awareness of poverty and exclusion in Europe as well as convey the message that poverty and exclusion are disruptive to social and economic development. Therefore the purpose of this proposal is to designate 2010 as the European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion.

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou's report approves the content of the Commission's proposal and it introduces the following new elements:

• Further develops the concept of multi-dimensional aspects of poverty and social exclusion by a more extensive definition of the groups concerned such as early school leavers and the long-term unemployed;
• Calls for action to be coordinated and implemented at national, regional and local levels in order to reach the goals of the European Year;
• Raises the question of access to and quality of education and lifelong learning, social protection systems and health services, housing, as well as active participation in political and cultural life;
• Stresses a need for an efficient implementation of equal treatment and non-discrimination legislation;
• Draws attention to the importance of ensuring children’s well-being and decent life conditions for all;
• Calls for greater links to be established with previous European Years.

After the positive outcome of the vote, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou said: "Thanks to the agreement between the EU institutions, we have achieved the goal of directly planning the European Year's activities. The EPP-ED Group, retaining solidarity as one of its main goals, is always encouraging adequate measures in order to promote more social cohesion."

It is also worth mentioning that in 2006, 16% (78m) of the total EU-25 population lived under the poverty threshold. In 2000, within the EU-25, about 40m people (9% of the total) were confronted with persistent poverty. In 2005, within the EU-25 19%, (19m) children were at risk of poverty. Although in most Member States the gender gap is decreasing, the gender gap is (in 2006) about 2 percent as regards poverty and persistent poverty.

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.

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

16/05/2008: The European Parliament today joined the celebrations on the occasion of the International Day of the Family in the framework of a meeting organised by Anna Záborská MEP, Chairwoman of the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee of the European Parliament, and Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP, Chairwoman of the Family and Protection of Childhood Intergroup.

Ljublica Salinger, representative of the Slovenian Ministry for the Family, Vladimír Špidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opporunities, Mr Linzbach from the German Ministry of the Family, Professor Dumont of the Sorbonne University, and Stéphane Buffetaut and Luca Jahier of the European Economic and Social Committee (ECOSOC) were among the speakers of the meeting which focused on 'family-friendly initiatives and the perspectives for the new European Alliance for the family'.

The meeting, which gathered MEPs, including the First Vice-President of the EP, Rodi Kratsa, and a great number of NGOs, highlighted the importance of the exchange of good practices in the framework of the European Alliance for the family in order to better address the new solidarity challenges resulting from demographic ageing and low birth rates.

While presenting the priorities of the Slovenian Presidency in the field of the family, the representative of the Slovenian Family Ministry recalled the necessity to establish new solidarities within the family and among the generations by ensuring gender equality and providing for sufficient care for the elderly. The conciliation of family and professional life is also particularly encouraged by the Presidency within the European Alliance for the Family. The representative of the German Ministry for the family approved the objectives set by the Slovenian Presidency and insisted on the importance of a joint commitment of the Member States which should be relayed by the Alliance. According to him, the creation of the group of experts on demography which is consulted by the Commission, the establishment of the internet portal of the Alliance as well as the numerous activities scheduled for 2008 (Demographic Forum in November, Eurobarometer study on families and children, Commission report on childcare services etc), all demonstrate the increased mobilisation of the Member States and the Commission. Mr Linzbach added that mutual learning within the Alliance encouraged Germany to provide for a parental allowance for families with low income and to extend its provision of care services.

The correlation between the amounts of social expenditure for the family, the availability of care services for children and the elderly, and birth rates was highlighted by Professor Dumont who also recalled the great diversity among the Member States in this field. In this framework, Commissioner Špidla recalled the need to create a friendly environment for the family, which remains the essential source of solidarity, by improving the living conditions of families while respecting their diversity. To this effect, the Commission will launch a reflection process on the improvement of care services for the elderly, eventually through a Communication, and will support the activities of the European Alliance through research and the use of structural funds.

Finally, Stéphane Buffetaut and Luca Jahier, ECOSOC draftsmen on the issue of demography, stressed that the efficiency of family policies relies on their durability and on the combination of family allowances, care services and tax reductions. Mr Jahier insisted more particularly on the necessity to introduce a family dimension in the new EU social agenda and to launch a discussion process both at European level, within a Family Observatory, and at national level.

"Besides being a legal, social and economic entity, the family is above all a community of love which should be valued at all times", declared Panayotopoulos and Záborská, who underlined that the celebration of the International Day of the Family is an opportunity to further promote the collaboration between the public and private actors so that the family can resume its role and that each of its members can fully enjoy their fundamental rights, their human dignity and their personal development.

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

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 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.

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''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.

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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.

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''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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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