EU Social Policies: Family, Gender Equality & Environment
EU Strategies for an Aging Population and Gender Equality
To cope with the aging population, the EU strategy promotes solidarity between generations, primarily through the European Alliance for Families. This Alliance seeks to foster the exchange of experiences and establish partnerships between states committed to modernizing their family policies. The primary tools include:
- A group of government experts on demographic issues
- A biennial forum
- An observatory of best practices
Gender Equality
Equality between men and women is one of the key challenges for European societies. Several actions are being taken in this area:
- Integration of equal opportunities into Community policies
- The Community Action Program for men and women, aiming to promote and disseminate the values and practices underpinning equality
- Improve understanding of issues relating to equality, including direct and indirect discrimination
- Enhance the capacity of social partners to promote equality
- Promote the exchange of information and best practices through networking at the Community level
Today, the EU is implementing the Roadmap for equality between men and women (2006-2010), focusing on reconciling personal and professional life and eliminating all forms of violence. An Advisory Committee on Equal Opportunities has been established to create an institutional framework, facilitating consultation with agencies responsible for promoting equal opportunities in the Member States. Each year, a report on equality is presented. In 2005, the European Institute for Gender Equality was established to support European institutions and Member States in promoting equality and combating discrimination.
Other measures include combating sex discrimination in the labor market and Directive 2004/113/EC (Burden of proof in cases of sex discrimination). Additional measures address the balanced participation of men and women in the workplace, parental leave, and leave for family reasons. EU efforts also combat sexual harassment and violence, such as the practical code of conduct for the dignity of men and women at work. This code establishes a set of conduct practices for employers, unions, and workers to prevent harassment and promote respect for the human dignity of both sexes.
Additional EU Social Policy Measures and Environmental Action
Combating Violence
The EU has implemented various measures to combat violence:
- AGIS (Police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters): Promotes co-financing projects submitted by promoters from Member States and candidate countries in the fields of justice and home affairs. It enables a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach to activities related to freedom, security, justice, prevention, and crime control.
- Stop II: Aims to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings and all forms of sexual exploitation of children, including child pornography.
- DAPHNE II (2004-2008): Focuses on combating violence against children, youth, and women through preventive measures and assistance to victims.
Environmental Policy
The EU’s interest in environmental issues began in 1972, initially focusing on air and water quality. The Amsterdam Treaty gave the environment political standing, pursuing the principle of sustainable development and protection. In 1998, environmental policies were integrated across the Union. The environment is a cross-cutting issue for the EU. The Framework Program for Competitiveness and Innovation introduces eco-innovation as a key term, encompassing any form of innovation aimed at significant and demonstrable progress towards sustainable development by reducing negative environmental effects and promoting more responsible resource use.
In 2001, a European strategy for sustainable development was agreed upon, focusing primarily on transport, health, and natural resources. In 2002, following the White Paper on Environmental Liability, a directive was issued to adopt a Community system for the prevention and remediation of environmental damage.
The Sixth Environment Action Programme, valid until 2010, focused on these pillars:
- Addressing climate change
- Protecting nature and biodiversity
The tools to achieve these goals include improving the implementation of environmental legislation, raising awareness among businesses and citizens, and increasing the integration of environmental considerations into other policies.