The Commission adopted a communication on “Promoting solidarity between the generations” to help Member States meet the demographic challenge. The Communication examines how Europeans can achieve a better work-life balance. It also looks at how best to support families so they can have the number of children they desire – very low birth rates are a concern in many Member States and studies continue to show that Europeans would like to have more children. The Communication highlights differences between national policies and areas where Member States can learn from each other, in particular through the European Alliance for Families as called for by the Spring European Council last March.
“Far too many men and particularly women in Europe still have to make difficult choices between family life and a successful career. We must create the conditions for people to have both”, said VladimÃr Å pidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. He added, “women continue to bear the lion’s share of care responsibilities, so unless we put a stronger emphasis on gender equality and equal opportunities, low birth-rates will persist, Europe will not meet its employment targets and we will not achieve our goal for a more prosperous and inclusive Europe”.
To help Europeans achieve more balanced work and family life, the Communication highlights three areas where Member States, social partners and civil society, as well as the EU, can play an important role:
Financial support to cope with the costs of raising a family;
Quality care services, both for children and for the dependent elderly;
Flexible working time, with appropriate work schedules and leave arrangements.
The Communication also recalls the differences between Member States in addressing families’ needs. For example, research shows that childcare provision for the under-threes varies from 8% in Germany, 2% in the Czech Republic to 36% in the Netherlands and 22% in Sweden. Social spending on families and children also varies from 0.7% to 3.9% of GDP, with the more southern countries relying more than others on family members to provide care and support. It is clear that countries that favour family-friendly policies in areas such as equal access to employment, parental leave for men and women, equal pay, generally have higher birth rates and more women in work. They are also some of the best performing countries in terms of jobs and growth. The differences in the way countries manage support for families underlines the potential for mutual learning.
The Communication sets out how the European Alliance for Families will act as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience. The first steps will be the setting up of a high-level group of government experts on demographic issues planned for June. Other sources for gathering examples of good practice include the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions which the Commission will invite to collect examples of successful policies at local level and in the workplace. Research on demography and family issues will also be encouraged through the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.
The potential of EU funding in providing additional support for families through a better reconciliation of work and private/family life is especially important. The European Social Fund (ESF) provides funding opportunities to help people improve their chances of finding a job through training, or simply through better childcare provision. However, to create better conditions for families will require better gender equality policies and more equal opportunities, as well as combined efforts and commitment from public authorities at different levels, the social partners and civil society. Ensuring Europeans have the support they need to bring up a family, care for family members and pursue a successful career is crucial to the success of the EU’s Lisbon strategy for Growth and Jobs.
Background
Today’s communication is part of a follow-up to the Communication “The demographic future of Europe – from challenge to opportunity” which sets out five areas to meet the demographic challenge: the promotion of demographic renewal, more jobs and longer working lives, higher productivity, integrating migrants and sustainable public finances. (see IP/06/1359
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