The main focus of this technical seminar is to examine family policy as an important investment with returns in three key areas: (1) as a means to finance the ageing of the population, (2) as a contribution to social cohesion, and (3) in support of parenthood.

On the one hand, this seminar aims to examine family policy as an investment to more easily finance European demographic ageing. By the year 2050, 4.2 per cent of GDP will be required to finance sickness insurance for older persons, retirees and long-term care as a consequence of the ageing of the European population. In France, for example, this ratio is estimated at 3.2 per cent, since the level of difference corresponds to the investment that will have been made concerning notably young children, which largely explains its demographic structure.

At the same time, it is also necessary to consider family policy as a concrete investment in social cohesion in the sense that it significantly contributes towards reducing child and family poverty. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), France has reduced the child poverty rate by 20 percentage points through a family policy which provides financial support in favour of working women with small children, large families, single parent families, and housing assistance. It is therefore a genuine policy of social equity for the population.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the seminar will take place during the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion and therefore will be a good opportunity to explore in more depth this theme which is a pre-occupation for many countries.

Finally, family policy contributes to the support of families through a dynamic social effort (support towards parenting, places for parents/children to be heard, community centres, family mediation services). In this way, family policy contributes to the investment in more independent youth.

This technical seminar will therefore be a valuable opportunity for a fruitful exchange on the above-mentioned themes. Finally, the programme will include interventions from different national experts and practical on site visits.

Practical information

The event is organized by the ISSA European Network and hosted by the National Family Allowances Fund of France.
Please note participation is restricted to members registered in the ISSA European Network.

Further information is available on the ISSA Extranet.