In times of crisis, we advise counselling; we stand firm for the rights of children in case marriages are ending. ECPM promotes the sovereignty of the family, based on marriage between one man and one woman, and recognizes its inherent rights that are inalienable. As such, ECPM promotes (national) policymaking which puts family in focus.
ECPM believes that family policy is foremost a matter of national competence. Based on the principle of subsidiarity, the European institutions should not interfere in family policies of Member States. However, there are related areas where the EU has legislative powers, as for example labour laws. ECPM asks that the European Union exercise power in these areas carefully, fully respecting the opinions of the Member States. We demand that the EU refrains from taking any initiatives on family policy or from proposing legislation that goes against/ over national legislation of Member States, or which is pushing for alternative family forms.
At a national level, ECPM members support policies promoting parenthood and creating conditions that are conducive to child-raising. We are concerned about the European demographic winter and worry about its economic consequences. We advocate for policies fostering reconciliation between qualifications, labour market participation and family life. Parents should have the choice between childcare services and working fewer hours to take care of their children, especially if it concerns children with disabilities. Flexible work conditions (work- provided childcare, job sharing, remote working, sabbatical leave etc.) are also important for single parents who have less income and would have a difficult time caring for their children, employment, and household tasks. ECPM is strongly in favour of parental leave and care.
We recognize the particular vulnerability of people with basic skills who need to support their family. This is compounded by automatization already replacing many of the low-skilled jobs. Undeniably, there is a threat of long-term unemployment increasing for this group of the population. Based on Christian principles, ECPM strongly favours inclusive national policies where people are supported to further their education, they are put in contact with available job opportunities and re-trained, when necessary.
We are concerned about the rise in domestic violence. We condemn any sort of abuse and violence and find it particularly reprehensible when it occurs between spouses or inside the family. ECPM strongly supports reporting such instances to authorities, coupled with counselling, anger management classes, addiction and rehabilitation programs, as well as lifelong mentorship and accountability systems.
Rights of Children
The rights of the child are set out in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Article 24/2) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). ECPM supports the principle that the best interests of the child should be the primary consideration in all actions concerning children, and that a balance needs to be struck with the need to keep families together.(8) We believe the rights of children already start at conception; therefore, unborn children should be included in the right to life. We advocate for support, training, and financial support for expectant mothers.
Children are particularly vulnerable to poverty, social exclusion, violence, and abuse. International commitments for the improvement of the lives of children such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a necessary first step, but we call on the EU Member States to do more: to adopt specific legislation guaranteeing daily meals, free primary and secondary education, children allowance and to invest in developing recreational community centres.
EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
Article 24.2: In all actions relating to children, whether taken by public authorities or private institutions, the child’s best interests must be a primary consideration.
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Art.3.2: States Parties undertake to ensure the child such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being, taking into account the rights and duties of his or her parents, legal guardians, or other individuals legally responsible for him or her, and, to this end, shall take all appropriate legislative and administrative measures.
We take note of the adoption of the EU Commission strategy- Better Internet for Kids(9)- in 2022 and we continue to advocate for increased protection of children online, including the passing of an EU Directive against cyberbullying. We are staunch defenders of children’s privacy and innocence online and we encourage programs which prevent and fight addiction in children and youth.
Freedom of Education
We affirm that education is a competence of the Member States, not of the European Union. We condemn the increasing trend of political and ideological interference in school curricula, in subjects taught, as well as in methods. ECPM believes that parents should have the freedom to choose how they want to raise their children and which values and beliefs they want to pass on to them. We advocate for the parents’ right to be informed about and to oppose certain views or subjects be taught to their children in school.
We are firmly against the early sexualization of children through so-called educational or cultural materials. It poses significant risks to the children’s wellbeing and development. ECPM members work tirelessly in their home countries to counter any and all efforts which sexualize children.
Education is essential for today’s children to be tomorrow’s independent, smart, well-adjusted adults and for their gifts and abilities to be nourished and developed. In general, we find it beneficial for children to go to school and interact with other children there; this develops their social skills as well. In certain cases, however, home-schooling may be a valid alternative. The neglect of rural schools and the brain drain toward urban areas particularly worries us. We urge national governments to invest more in local schools and to shorten the distance between an educational institution and the community.