News

The tension is building. Brexit is just round the corner. The EU Heads of States and Government are having intense discussions on the future of Europe, having met on 25 March to mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. More than ever before, Europe has entered national political debates, which is both fantastic and frightening. I think it’s fair to say there is a slight wave of panic in EU circles, with all of us trying to underline the positive aspects of a European Union, while also highlighting the mistakes made until now and the need to address certain challenges as a matter of urgency.

To this end, Social Platform joined forces with civil society and trade union organisations from across Europe to sign a “Common appeal to European leaders by European Civil Society Organisations and Trade Unions” reiterating our demands for the Europe we want:  just, sustainable, democratic and inclusive. European civil society players have always promoted this agenda, by highlighting the importance of enforcing fundamental rights and the general interest in EU policy and legislation, often sitting across the table from organisations that promote private and business interests. Social Platform and its members need to stand strong and continue to work collectively.

I’d like to state the obvious and remind people of the invaluable work of Social Platform and its members. We represent families, services of many different types, self-advocates, social economy stakeholders, and more, all monitoring key areas of EU policy and legislation to mainstream social concerns, while actively shoring up support from our different constituencies on a daily basis to build a Europe that works for its people. We work on different levels (European, national, local), ensuring a constant information flow between the EU and local communities.

COFACE Families Europe – founded in 1958 and an active member of Social Platform – closely monitors EU actions and initiatives that have an impact on the work-life balance of families (ALL types of families based on values of pluralism and non-discrimination) that we consider a matter of economic, social and demographic urgency. After years of campaigning and highlighting the demands of families together with key allies, including common key demands of Social Platform, the European Union is finally formulating a response to these pressing needs: we can all expect a package of legislative and non-legislative measures this Spring, which we believe will serve to strengthen the social dimension of the European Union with elements on services (childcare and long-term care) and working arrangements (family leave and flexible working arrangements). The challenge will be to ensure these measures are fully implemented, and to cement the role of Europe in building decent safety nets for all families to reconcile those two fundamental parts of their lives. You’re welcome to join COFACE on 12 May to find out more and shape the debate with all the key players out there (civil society, social partners, EU institutions, governments, and the research community).

By Liz Gosme, Director of Social Platform member COFACE – Families Europe
@COFACE_EU