In 2014 the United Nations is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family. Celebrating families in 2014 would represent a major recognition of the considerable role played by families in all Member States and in Europe as a whole.

COFACE is currently bringing together a number of European NGOs, Social Partners and Family organisations across Europe to support the COFACE campaign to have 2014 designated as the European Year for Reconciling Work and Family Life.

The year would give a very positive message to all Europeans, namely that it not only focuses on matching skills and jobs, but it also wants to improve the lives and wellbeing of its citizens. Through addressing the demographic challenges, we can also look forward to a more optimistic future for the European Union.

The proposed 2014 European Year would build on the achievements and continue to pursue the policy objectives of the previous years, having relevant cross-cutting issues at its heart, starting with 2010, the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, 2011 the European Year of Volunteering, the 2012 European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations and the 2013 European Year of Citizens.