The role of replacing the generations, solidarity between them, raising and educating children, handing down values, a refuge, somewhere to relax,… is of such human, individual and societal importance as to be quite simply irreplaceable.

The proof of this is that family forms may change, but the family goes on. Women and men, adults and children all need a family of some kind. Here, a home is divided against itself; next door, a new one blossoms… With all its flaws, sorrows and joys, the family is part and parcel of the human condition.

It is quite clear that politics at any level cannot disregard this aspect that is part of the nature of being human. And were it to do so, family organisations are on hand to call it to order. That is what COFACE does towards the EU.
What's New
Launch of the European Year 2012!

To mark the start of the 2012 European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity of Generations, the Commission presented a new Eurobarometer survey showing that 71% of Europeans are aware that Europe's population is getting older, but only 42% are concerned about this development.

BUT, Active Ageing is not just about employment. Around one quarter of Europeans say they are engaged in voluntary work. In countries where there is less of a volunteering tradition, a higher proportion of people say that they have helped or provided support to other people outside their own household. 36% of Europeans over the age of 55 have provided such support. 15% of respondents over 55 take care of an older family member and 42% have done so in the past... Read more

COFACE has just released a factsheet on Active ageing for Family carers

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Forthcoming events
  • 7/02/12: Working Group Exchange of information and experiences: mutual learning and capacity building, Brussels
  • 19/04/12: Seminar on e-Health, Brussels
  • 20/04/12: Working Group Consumer Protection, Services, Public Health and Sustainable development policies, Brussels

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