18/02/2009: Parliament expressed its support for the Commission Communication "Towards an EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child" and called on the Commission to take specific measures. The need to take concrete measures in order to answer to the needs of children and families is a position that the EP has defended on two notable occasions, through its resolution on "promoting social inclusion and combating poverty, including child poverty, in the EU" and its decision establishing 2010 as the European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion.

In this context, Marie Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou MEP (EPP-ED, Greece), Chairwoman of the Intergroup on 'Family and Protection of Childhood', asked the European Commission what is the recent state of play in this field and what other matters of crucial importance to children the Commission will promote in the near future.

The representative of the European Commission, Vice-President Jacques Barrot, gave the following answer to Mrs Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou: "The Commission Communication proposes the establishment of a Strategy aiming at efficiently promoting the rights of the child in the framework of the EU internal and external policies, supporting the efforts made by the Member States in this field (...) [ and finally] launching a consultation before the presentation of a European Strategy for the period 2010-2014. This consultation is ongoing: (...) in the fields of Justice, Liberty and Security prior to the Stockholm programme, the European forum for the rights of the child, the experts' reunion and the consultation of children to be launched in 2009. The new Strategy on the rights of the child will particularly be focused on the new priorities identifies by the EP resolution. Since the adoption of its Communication the Commission has committed itself to taken concrete measures such as legislative measures, measures of police and judicial cooperation, measures of cooperation between Member States, exchange of good practices, in view of combating any violation of children's rights. To this end, a Forum was created (...) [in order to] advice and support the Commission and other European Institutions, (...) to exchange information and good practices in matters related to the rights of the child (...) to promote the children's point of view on policies and matters which are of an interest to them. The conditions of such participation are to be determined. The Forum held on the 9th of December 2008 mainly dealt with the theme of violence and of the participation and consultation of children.

Regarding children's poverty, national action plans for social inclusion 2008-2010 have confirmed that poverty and social exclusion of children constitute more than never a concern to the great majority of Member States, but also an essential element in the framework of the Open Method of Coordination on poverty and social exclusion. Progress has been made in the field of the analysis and the statistical treatment of these questions; nevertheless, it is hard to find the necessary efforts and political engagement without which it will be very difficult to have a decisive influence on the phenomenon of poverty and social exclusion of children. (...) In this respect, the Commission wishes to reinforce the process of definition of reasonable objectives but also the establishment of monitoring and evaluation tools both at European and National level. It also considers a better way to coordinate the European process in the field of the rights of the child, but also the social inclusion process and the encouragement of the improvement of synergies at a National level between the establishment of reports on the UN Convention on the rights of the Child and the development of national action plans for social inclusion".

"In this context of generalised financial crisis which influences the daily lives of families, what matters is the rapid execution of preventive measures in order to control an unexpected extension of the multidimensional phenomenon of child poverty, and notably in the regions affected by unemployment", commented Marie Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou.

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

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

A EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL IN NANTES, FRANCE : 26TH-29TH OF MARCH, 2009.

05/02/2009: On Sky News : Johnson's dad, the old block of whom Boris is a chip off, believes that Boris's success will be down to a classical upbringing. "If you can really master ancient Greek, you can do anything! Pericles' view of Athenian democracy is a very good model if you're going to be mayor of London".

Associated Press : "Johnson is focusing his campaign on London's outer boroughs [...] Mindful perhaps that London conservatives are stereotyped as rich white English males, he has spoken mangled ancient Greek to Greek voters (he learned it in school).»

Every year, other countries participate with representative groups, authors, films, professors and teachers. The following year, we bring events to their country. In some cases, we can give distance to the passions of a modern event. For example, it is easier to speak of Persia (Iran) from the perspective of Thucydides and Aeschylus. Egypt could be better understood by reading Herodotus. Cicero helps with concepts of the law. All the modern issues: human rights, women’s liberation, technology, advertising, ecology and even citizenship have their roots in classical times as well.

Festum Europaeum Latinum et Graecum quartum tractabit argumentum c.t."Barbari, Alteri, Limes". Patroni hujus festi erunt duo administri galli, Domina Valérie Pécresse ab Institutione Superiore et Dominus Xavier Darcos ab Institutione Nationali, et patrona perennis festi erit Domina Jacqueline de Romilly, Academiae Gallorum. Constabit e tribus diebus et duobus vesperibus congressuum et disceptationum minorum. Allicient quoque cantica linguâ latinâ, excerpta e comoediis antiquis hodiernisque, expositiones de Carthagine, conventûs de Pace Romana, 'Babylonia et Graecia', 'Hierosolyma, Athenae et Roma', itinera humanistarum, concentûs de Pythagoro, afflatûs antiqui super opera Debussy.
Fient apparatûs vestituum antiquorum, cena graeca, et legentur opera latina scripta a Joachim du Bellay, Karl Marx et Arthur Rimbaud.
Mense Marte anni 2005-i aperto, huic evento prodest favor non solum virorum feminarumque politicorum (François Fillon, qui illo tempore Administer ab Institutione Nationali primus eo favit, quem secutus est R. Donnedieu de Vabres, Administer a Cultu Civili); litteratorum (Jacques Lacarrière, qui eum inauguravit, Karl-Heinz de Rothenburg et Olivier Germain-Thomas, qui quoque adfuerunt, et Vassilis Alexakis; sed etiam diurnariorum, quorum P.P.D.A., hospes et sidus televisificum, qui consentit edicere titulo magnis litteris scripto Acta Diurna anni 429-i a.Chr.n. Athenis; necnon sodales Academiae Scientiarum (sicut ei, de quibus tractavit emissio «Rayon Gamma Facteur Epsilon» in Canal Académie [Catena televisifica Academiae]; et scholae, quarum specializatio 'Periegesis et Patrimonium', ubi horno 'Point Métier' [Angulus ad vitae cursum eligendum] ad juniores dicatus inaugurabitur.
In hoc festo aliquantum insolito ordinabitur certamen europaeum ludorum et inventorum pertinentium ad Antiquitatem, ut oblectamentis, musicâ, artibus elegantioribus, colloquiis de aspectibus historicis, et illo Angulo ad vitae cursum eligendum, emolumenta eruditionis conditae in memoria communi et patrimonio universali humanitatum (bene vocatarum) probet. Hoc patrimonium semper vivet pro eis, qui subsidiis latine in Interret pansis et Graeciae linguae mythisque, annorum plus quam duo millia et multas vicissitudines superantibus, student. Nam, nisi homo suum proprium cultum civilem et ejus virtutes noscit, quo modo ingenia alienigena explorare et ad ea se accommodare potest?
Ecce tres dies festivi et jucundi. (translated by Brennus Legranus)

http://www.festival-latin-grec.eu/en

RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYMENT WITHIN THE FAMILY

28/01/2009: At European level Decisions are taken in order to grant numerous rights and concessions to mothers and fathers, rights in respect of dependent family members (children, the elderly, the disabled) as well as decisions to facilitate the combination of work and family life, but also in relation to remunerated activities or self-employment. However, self-employment within the family, the implications thereof for the family and the family as an employer has not been recognized by the EU. Consequently, the Greek MEP asked what proposals the Czech Presidency was going to present in this area.

The Council's representative, M. Vondra Alexandr, answered Mrs Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou's question as follows: "the European Parliament and the Council can only act in a legislative capacity on the basis of a proposal from the Commission. The Commission has indeed recently tabled a proposal for a new Directive on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Directive 86/613/EEC. The proposal aims at improving the social protection of self-employed workers, with a view to removing disincentives to female entrepreneurship ... the social protection of "assisting spouses", who often work in the self-employed sector without enjoying the corresponding rights. ... the vast majority of such “assisting spouses” are women, and many of them work in the agricultural sector. The Commission's proposal also aims at enhancing the recognition of such self-employment within the family by granting maternity leave to “assisting spouses”, the proposal also seeks to redress the sometimes problematic implications that informal employment within family businesses can have for the family itself, especially when “assisting spouses” have children.

Turning to the broader implications of unrecognized work by “assisting spouses” in the long term... the Council is aware of the particularly difficult situation faced by unsalaried women who depend on their husbands for their income and whose financial situation is often precarious when they retire, or if they divorce or are widowed. The Council expressed its concern with regard to this issue in December 2007, when it adopted a set of Conclusions on "Women and Poverty". The Council recognized that women were more vulnerable to income poverty than men and that the gender gap increased with age. More recently, in December 2008, the Council adopted a set of Conclusions on "Women and the Economy: the Reconciliation of Work and Family Life". Here, too, the Council reaffirmed the importance of measures allowing women and men to reconcile their work and family responsibilities, and called for appropriate policies.

In conclusion, the Council is actively addressing the concerns with respect to self-employment within a family context. The Czech Presidency will continue discussions on the above-mentioned legislative initiative and will follow its development in the European Parliament".

"My wish is for the Commission to take into serious consideration the Council's answer, and present within the briefest possible delay a relevant proposal on this issue", stated Mrs Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou.

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

SOCIAL POLICY: QUESTION TO EUROPEAN COMMISSION BY MARIE PANAYOTOPOULOS-CASSIOTOU MEP

08/01/2009: Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (EPP-ED, Greece) submitted a written question to Commissioner Spidla relating to the October 2008 issue of the Social Agenda, published every month by the Directorate General for Employment Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of the European Commission. In this issue, fields such as education, social and family policies, freedom of expression of religious beliefs are dealt with as if they were regulated at a European level, regardless of the fact that the principle of subsidiarity applies to them.

The question quotes specific extracts of various articles in which it is taken for granted that a) labour relations are going to undergo changes b) family is not perceived as an essential factor of social cohesion and its decline within society is presented as inevitable c) European legislative measures have been announced in the field of education and finally d) the adoption of the proposal for a Directive on anti-discrimination will most probably result in the progressive banning of religious symbols and clothing worn in public.

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

SECOND EUROPEAN DEMOGRAPHY FORUM: BETTER SOCIETIES FOR FAMILIES AND OLDER PEOPLE

24/11/2008: The Second Demography Report 'Meeting social needs in an ageing society' was published on 21 November 2008 by the European Commission. The report was presented at the European Demography Forum on 24 and 25 November 2008 in Brussels. More than 440 policy-makers and actors in this field attended this.

The opening session of the European Demography Forum was chaired by the Greek MEP Marie Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou. Mrs Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou, Chairwoman of the EP's Intergroup on Family and Protection of Childhood, was invited by the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, and the French Minister for Employment, Xavier Bertrand.

The speakers focused on the latest demographical evolutions which have become a true challenge for Europe. These evolutions will lead to a decrease of the labour force – and a tremendous increase of the population over 60 years old by 2014 – but will also have a great economical and social impact on all Member States. The intervening parties emphasised the various propositions regarding upholding the working population within the labour market, the voluntary work by pre-pension workers, the improvement of training and working conditions, the integration of immigrants and particularly the support towards families, by presenting to European citizens the necessary guaranties in order for them to be able to have their aspiring number of children. The progress made in terms of maternity and paternity leave, the guarantee of quality education, the improvement of social services, especially those regarding child care but also care for the elderly, are regarded as essential and common objectives to all Member States. To this end, Member States should exchange good practices in these areas. The survival of the economic systems, flexibility in work relations to the advantage of workers, and sustainable growth, secure investments in human dynamic and require efficient answers to approximate demographical previsions.

The Second Demography Report corrects statistics and previsions of the year 2004. It highlights the actions taken by Member States in order to meet families' needs by updating European policies and promoting care opportunities for elderly people. During the discussion and concluding session, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou had the opportunity to underline the EU's evolution towards the adoption of family-friendly policies. The Greek MEP requested an upgrading of the European Alliance for Families, which should become a synchronisation platform for defined actions in the fields of intergenerational solidarity, equal opportunities, and the guarantee of future perspectives for youngsters. The objectives set by the Lisbon Strategy will then be reached and Europe will maintain its global partner position.

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

EESC AND THE EUROPEAN CITIZENS FORUM CALL FOR MORE SOLIDARITY TO TACKLE TODAY'S FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL CRISIS

04/11/2008: Avec une conférence recueillant le 29 octobre 2008 ensemble des organismes de société civile et des établissements d'UE, l'EESC a apporté à Bruxelles le message fort qui avait émergé du forum européen de citoyens, jugé juin passé dans Wrocław, la Pologne : afin de combattre la crise financière et économique nous avons besoin de plus de solidarité.

Le titre de la conférence a explicitement parlé d'une Europe de la solidarité en tant que notre défi pour le demain. Le nouveau président de la section d'EESC pour des affaires sociales, l'emploi et la citoyenneté, Leila Kurki (groupe de FI/Employees), a souligné : « Une politique sociale qui encourage la solidarité n'est pas un luxe ; c'est une nécessité. La solidarité est notre succès européen commun et doit devenir une réponse à nos problèmes européens communs ». Au moment où, la question pressante est comment rassembler le courage des propositions formulées par les organismes de société civile pour montrer plus de solidarité à toutes les étapes avec la timidité et la modestie de l'action de la part des établissements publics.

Les participants à de diverses occasions ont accentué que la solidarité peut être analysée à plusieurs niveaux : solidarité parmi des citoyens, solidarité parmi les établissements qui doivent joindre leurs efforts d'améliorer des défis de mondialisation de réponse, mais, surtout, solidarité parmi des générations. En tant que président de l'intergroup de famille du Parlement européen, Mme Panayotopoulos-Cassioutou a précisé : « De nos jours la société ne peut pas se développer sans valeurs humaines et sans solidarité. La crise courante la met davantage dans l'évidence maintenant que jamais. Le premier endroit où ces valeurs peuvent être apprises et développées est la famille ». Les familles sont la clef pour le développement des sociétés mutuellement de support et socialement équilibrées. Néanmoins, les familles, particulièrement pauvres ceux, sont les premières victimes de la crise économique, et car un tel besoin d'être aidé.

Mais la solidarité ne découle pas automatiquement de la croissance économique ; elle exige l'engagement fort et l'action. Pendant un temps très long la famille n'a eu aucun appui des services publics. La crise économique d'aujourd'hui et les difficultés sociales prouvent que les services publics devraient adopter des politiques spécifiques en faveur du famille.

Celles-ci doivent converger dans un dosage des politiques macroéconomiques qui implique l'aide financière, davantage et de meilleurs services tels que des soins des enfants, et des arrangements de temps de travail pour permettre un équilibre entre le famille et la vie professionnelle. Un exemple mentionné par plusieurs participants était la réduction de TVA sur les marchandises enfant-connexes. Le Conseil de Ministres, qui discute à l'heure actuelle une proposition de la Commission pour la réduire, a été fortement invité à adopter le texte de la proposition pendant qu'elle se tient maintenant.

Source : EESC

EUROPEAN YEAR FOR COMBATING POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION (2010)

Strasbourg, 22 October 2008: Marie Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou MEP, Hans-Gert Poettering MEP (EPP-ED, Germany), President of the European Parliament, and Jan Andersson MEP

22/10/2008: The Codecision file on "European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion (2010) " was signed by President Poettering together with the French Presidency, in presence of Mrs Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou and Mr Jan Andersson, in Strasbourg. Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, member of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, was the draftswoman for the above mentioned report which was adopted by the European Parliament on 17 June with large majority and recently received final approval by the Council.

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

''BETTER LATE THAN NEVER'' FOR TEMPORARY WORKERS

21/10/2008: The Directive on Temporary Workers was the focus of MEPs' discussions in the October plenary session in Strasbourg.

Speaking in the plenary, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP, Member of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, stressed the importance of the Directive which provides for the consolidation of the rights mainly for women as they constitute a large part of temporary workers.

According to Eurostat (2005, Europe of 25), the percentage of temporary female workers reached 14.9% compared to 13.9% for men. The percentage reached 14.7% (10.25% for men) in Greece, 13.6% (14% for men) in Germany and 14.2% (12.5% for men) in France.

"The new proposal protects and promotes the rights of workers with respect to human value and contribution. The implementation of laws must be safeguarded for all workers and the same payment, insurance and protection conditions have to be guaranteed for any type of work, whether it is for a one-day job or a permanent one", said the MEP.

The Directive intends to fill the existing legislative void on the matter, and it constitutes social progress. It is also an important victory for the EU-27, as it puts forward several issues:

• The equality of treatment for temporary workers;
• The respect of social rules by the companies
• The recognition of temporary employment companies as a legal and professional commercial activity.

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou underlined that the present Directive will create the framework in which temporary work will contribute in creating new and flexible jobs and an alternative to unemployment without leaving out security, and where healthy competition distortions will be avoided.

Taking into consideration the Member States' different traditional employment practices, differences in the Directive may be allowed in agreement with the social partners. As an example, Greek legislation guarantees the same treatment for both temporary workers and permanent workers from the very first working day within the same company.
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For further information:
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP
Tel: +32-2-2847447 - Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION ROUND TABLE

15/10/2008: The seventh round table on poverty and social exclusion, organised by the French Presidency of the EU, was held on Wednesday 15 October 2008 in Marseille.
This meeting comes ahead of the so-called P7, a meeting of EU Ministers responsible of poverty and social exclusion.

Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP, author of Parliament's report on the European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion 2010, represented Parliament at the event's plenary session.

The French Presidency representative, Martin Hirsch, High Commissioner for active inclusion against poverty, welcomed the guests by presenting the Round Table's objectives. His intervention was followed by a presentation of the three pillar approach to active inclusion, and by speeches of various stakeholders, such as D.Jarre, Vice-President of the Social Platform, J.Niemec, Confederate Secretary, European Trade Union Confederation, I.Nouhoum, Representative of the delegations appointed during the 7th European Meeting of People Experiencing Poverty, L.Van Embden Andres, President of the workgroup social welfare, Business Europe, and J. Vignon, Director of DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of the European Commission.

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, presented her report on the European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion, which constitutes a further step towards reinforced social solidarity. This European Year embodies the EU's commitment to eradicate factors obstructing the full realisation of the Lisbon Strategy's goals and to create a more egalitarian society. The activities of the European Year will advance the progress made with the Open Method of Coordination on social protection and social inclusion, launched in Lisbon.

Furthermore, the decision to establish the European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion, recently accepted by the Council, aims at proposing concrete actions financed by the EU and Member States. The allocated budget to these actions amounts to €17m, and the priorities are, amongst others, the promotion of integrated approaches of social inclusion and the eradication of disparities and poverty, especially affecting children and families in distress.

"The ongoing economical crisis in Europe has given us the opportunity to stress the importance of solidarity, responsibility, transparency and structural reforms to increase employment." declared the Greek MEP.
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For further information:
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP
Tel: +32-2-2847447 - Fax: +32-2-2849447
E-mail: marie.panayotopoulos-cassiotou@europarl.europa.eu

JOSEPH DAUL CONGRATULATES THE SIX EPP-ED WINNERS OF THE PARLIAMENT MAGAZINE MEP AWARDS 2008

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09/10/2008:Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, has congratulated the EPP-ED winners of The Parliament Magazine MEP Awards 2008. Daul said that this is international acknowledgement of the EPP-ED Group's political work.

Six members of the EPP-ED Group were honoured with an award in several categories: Kinga Gál (Justice and Civil Liberties), Alojz Peterle (Health and Food Safety), Neil Parish (Agriculture and Fisheries), Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (Employment and Social Affairs), Alejo Vidal-Quadras (Energy), and Paul Rübig (Research and Innovation).

The Parliament Magazine, devoted to issues concerning the European Union, held its annual awards ceremony for 2008 on 8 October. The nominations were made by European non-governmental organisations and the final decisions were made by the Members of the European Parliament.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DECENT WORK

06/10/2008: Statement by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Member of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee

In light of the International Day for Decent Work (Tuesday 7 October), Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Member of the European Parliament and draftswoman of the report on promoting decent work for all, stressed the importance of the EU's contribution to the promotion of decent working conditions and acceptable living standards for all.

The European Employment Policy aims at creating high quality employment, defending and guaranteeing workers' rights, such as health protection and social security, achieving effective social protection, promoting social dialogue and using communication and negotiation as tools in the resolution of work-related issues.

Efforts have been made both at International (United Nations, International Labour Organisation) and European level (European Commission report on the EU contribution to the promotion of decent work in the world of 2008) in view of the reinforcement of the Agenda on Decent Work. These efforts also contribute to the improvement of working conditions, to the development of measures striving to combat any type of discrimination, and to the attraction of a highly-qualified workforce.

"Issues such as working time, temporary workers' status, coordination of social security systems and pensions are questions that need to be resolved in the most appropriate manner in order for workers to be protected and to be able to fully participate the labour market. They should improve and emphasise their skills by adapting themselves to the political and social developments. To that end, the EP's role will be essential", stated the Greek MEP.

EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS - EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DELEGATION IN MARSEILLES

03/10/2008: Initiated by the petitions submitted by French citizens on the possible environmental consequences from the construction and the continuing operation of a household waste incineration unit in Marseilles (Fos-sur-Mer), France, a three-day visit of a delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on Petitions, in which Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP participated, was organised last week.

The incineration unit, which is under construction, will be used for waste treatment of the wider urban region of Marseilles (18 municipalities) including recycling, methanisation and incineration departments.

The incineration department is a cause for protest as it could increase air pollution in the region by 1 or 2%. For the moment, waste is treated at an open-air dump which has been operating since 1912 and puts the aquifer horizon in the area at risk.

Delegation members will transmit their experiences and the information gathered from the visit to the Committee on Petitions so that it contributes with its decisions in the promotion of the most optimal choices which will benefit the residents in one of the most over-populated and developed industrial regions of Europe.

THE EUROPEAN PACT ON IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM

26/09/2008: The European Pact on Immigration and Asylum, launched by the French EU Presidency, seeks to achieve an active political commitment on the part of the EU and the Member States concerning common principles for the formulation of migration policies in a spirit of solidarity and responsibility. In this connection, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP asked the Council the following question:

"What binding agreements with countries situated on the EU's borders, and in particular applicant countries, concerning transit immigrants from third countries does the Council intend to propose with a view to making Europe an area of security, justice and freedom?".

In his answer, J-P Jouyet, representative of the French Presidency, said: "The most effective tools we have to fight against illegal immigration, are the Readmission Agreements with third countries, which are in the vicinity of the European Union". Such agreements involve reciprocal undertakings by the European Union and the third-country partners to co-operate over the return of illegal residents to their country of origin or transit.
He also said: "The Community managed to conclude agreements with 11 third countries. This is the case with the Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia (FYR-Macedonia), whose agreement came into effect on 1 January 2008. With regards to Turkey, the negotiations started officially in 2005. As far as Croatia is concerned, there is no mandate to carry out negotiations for a readmission agreement and the Council wished, in the case of this country, a fast progress in the ongoing negotiations. The pact which will be discussed and, we hope, approved by the European Council on October 15, will stress the political importance of the Readmission Agreements within the framework of the fight against illegal immigration."

European solidarity expressed in the framework of a common migration policy wishes to create the basis for not only safe and fair mobility, but also fair competition.

MEP AWARDS 2008: «PARLIAMENT MAGAZINE»

Brussels, 11/09/2008:
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (EPP-ED), MEP from Greece, has been shortlisted by The Parliament Magazine, together with two other MEPs, to represent the Employment & social affairs category, for the quality of his work over the past year:

Marie Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou (EPP-ED), Greece: A former academic researcher and senior education supervisor, Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou was awarded the order of the silver cross by the German president in 1994. A graduate in Greek and French literature, she is a member of parliament’s employment and social affairs committee and of the committee on women’s rights and gender equality. The 56-year-old has been MEP since 2004 and is author of a 2008 report on the situation of women in prisons. In 2007, she was rapporteur on a regulatory framework for measures enabling young women to combine family life with a period of study.

http://www.theparliament.com/mepawards/shortlist_info#12

DECLARATION ON COMBATING POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION IN EUROPE

26/09/2008: During its plenary session in June, the European Parliament adopted a report on establishing the year 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.

Greek MEP Marie Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou, draftswoman of the report, has expressed her high satisfaction following the Council's final decision ratifying the EP's decision. Following this positive outcome, a Declaration by the European Commission has been inserted in the final text. This Declaration is essential to the accomplishment of the report's objectives.

"The Commission attaches the greatest importance to facilitating and supporting wide participation at all levels in activities connected with the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion as a practical means of ensuring that its impact is positive and lasting.In accordance with the Decision on the European Year, the Commission will draw up common guidelines in the Strategic Framework Document (SFD) which will set the key priorities for the implementation of activities relating to the European Year, including minimum standards in terms of participation in national bodies and actions.

The SFD is addressed to the National Implementing Bodies (NIBs) responsible for defining the national programmes for the European Year and for selecting individual actions to be proposed for Community funding, and to other actors concerned. In this context, the Commission will underline the importance of facilitating access by all NGOs, including small and medium-sized organisations. With a view to ensuring the widest possible access, the NIBs can decide not to request any co-financing and instead to fully fund certain actions".

According to Mrs Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou's report, the EU's contribution to the activities amounting to €17m shall be reinforced by the contribution of national executive bodies in view of the creation of preventive structures against poverty and marginalisation and launching of efficient projects on crisis management.

"In this European framework, the Greek Government's actions aiming at establishing measures protecting poor households, improving living conditions and education and creating the fund against poverty are very interesting examples", noted Mrs Panayotopoulos - Cassiotou.

The French Presidency has declared that combating poverty is a priority, as it is particularly attached in guaranteeing fair living conditions, social inclusion of fragile groups, but also access to social services to all European citizens

EUROPEAN UNION'S 2009 GENERAL BUDGET

15/09/2008: The draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2009 was adopted unanimously, by the 'Women's rights and gender equality committee of the European Parliament.

The adopted amendments tabled by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (GR, EPP-ED), refer to:

• The horizontal application to the entire PROGRESS programme (employment, social protection and social inclusion, working conditions, non-discrimination and diversity) of the principle of equality between women and men.

• The evaluation by the European Commission of the budget for human resources responsible for the evaluation of projects in the framework of the Daphne III programme (Fight against violence), in order to increase its efficiency.

• An increased use of the Structural Funds by Member States, in the framework of the European Social Fund, and a more balanced distribution of the budget lines as a means to promote equality between women and men.

Particularly concerned about the situation of children and adults suffering from 'dys' disorders and disabilities, the Greek MEP successfully maintained within the text the relevant budgetary lines for development of European policies assisting these groups, especially in view of a financial mechanism for children suffering from 'dys' disorder and disabilities, and their parents.

Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou's achievement was to usefully change the initial text in various fields such as intergenerational solidarity, men's input in the education of children, conciliation between family life and professional life and the acknowledgement of women's informal labour in view of putting forward its economic value.

The members of the women's rights committee adopted a pilot project presented by Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou. The project aims at implementing funding in order to guarantee the promotion of a better support to the educators and parents of 'dys' individuals, in respect of the principle of equality between women and men.
In that perspective, the pilot project underlines the necessity to raise awareness about the persistent inequalities between 'dys' individuals, on the discrimination towards carers and families, and the need to inform society on 'dys' problems.
Moreover, it highlights the importance of the exchange of good practices and the promotion of cooperation between organisations active in the area of 'dys' problems.

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 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.

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