A stronger economy, social justice and jobs

15.1) Ensuring quality, affordable and accessible childcare across the EU, so that mothers and fathers can confidently reconcile their work and family life. Where appropriate this could include childcare opportunities at or near the workplace. In some Member States also overnight care is available, which should serve as an example. Additionally, this could be flanked by supportive measures such as reduced VAT rates on equipment needed for children. It is essential to prevent poverty and social exclusion of children; (ECP 22 & 26) Reinforcing the Child Guarantee, guaranteeing access of children in need to services such as education and care, healthcare, nutrition and housing, could be an instrument to achieve this (online platform, discussions).

15.2) Measure: Introducing specific support and protection of work for young people. Such measures towards the working-age population should include access to knowledge for mothers and fathers about their return to work. (ECP 22) Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee could be an instrument to improve the access of young people under the age of 30 to good quality offers of employment, continued education, apprenticeships or traineeships; (discussions)

15.3) Promoting the right to free movement of education within the Union, among others, through mutual recognition of degrees, grades, skills and qualifications; (discussions)

15.4) Improving legislation and implementation thereof to ensure support of families across all Member States, for instance with regard to parental leave as well as childbirth and childcare allowances. (ECP 26 & IT 5.a.1) Housing plays a crucial role in supporting families and should be addressed (online platform, discussions);

15.5) Taking action to guarantee that all families enjoy equal family rights in all Member States. This should include the right to marriage and adoption; (ECP 27)
* This measure has been identified as needing Treaty change for full implementation.

15.6) Promoting flexible retirement ages by taking account of the specific situation of older persons. When determining the retirement age, there should be a differentiation depending on the profession, and thereby factoring in particularly demanding work, both mentally and physically; (ECP 21 & IT 5.a.1)

15.7) Preventing old age poverty by introducing minimum pensions. Such minimum levels would need to take account of the living standard, the poverty line and purchase power in the respective Member State; (ECP 21)

There are currently no implementing initiatives that address this particular CoFE measure.

15.8) Guaranteeing appropriate social and health care to older persons. In doing so, it is important to address both community based as well as residential care. Equally, measures need to take account of both care receivers and care givers; (ECP 23)

* This measure has been identified as needing Treaty change for full implementation.

15.9) Ensuring the sustainable development and the demographic resilience of the regions that are lagging behind in order to make them more vibrant and attractive, including through the cohesion policy; (online platform & discussions)

15.10) Taking coordinated action at the European level for collecting data disaggregated by factors such as gender and analysing demographic trends, sharing best practices and knowledge and supporting Member States in shaping and implementing adequate policies including by establishing a specialized EU body in this area. (online platform & discussions)