Families in the Crisis: Finding work-life balance in difficult economic context

The first official event of the Year of Reconciling Work and Family Life was held on 29th April in Athens under the Greek Presidency of the European Union. The event started with an opening speech delivered by László Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion who acknowledged the difficult situation families got into as a result of the crisis and austerity measures, but at the same time emphasised that families - including parents - are in the focus of policy makers in Europe. The basis of the conference was the new publication of Eurofound, Quality of life in Europe: Families in the economic crisis.

Alliance 2014 - the unofficial Year for Reconciling Work and Family Life

2014 is an exceptional year as the European Commission decided not to designate a European Year despite the campaign and lobbying of civil society organisations and the decision of the European Parliament. However, COFACE and other NGO's, including EPA have decided that the issue of reconciling family life and work is such a burning issue that we are carrying out an unofficial European Year. Still we hope to have a major input on decision makers and we also hope that EU institutions are joining us to carry out this year's programmes.