COFACE publishes key demands for new European Union mandate 2024-2029 Following the European elections on 6-9 June 2024, here are ten specific actions we would like to see integrated into the programme of the European Union. These need to be developed as part of an economic framework which works for society and the planet and seeks to deliver an economy that cares. The actions are addressed to incoming Commissioners, Members of the European Parliament and the presidencies, and call on them to act NOW for today’s families. The full list can be viewed here, and an easy-to-read version is available for persons with intellectual disabilities. COFACE publishes policy brief on supporting families in the digital era EU policy-makers must ensure that all families are given support and guidance enabling them to access and navigate the digital environment. This will require strong legal frameworks as well as robust, ‘low-threshold’, evidence-based support and prevention measures for families. COFACE has produced a policy brief highlighting the importance of digital technologies for children and their families. The brief analyses whether existing and currently debated EU frameworks which aim to ensure safe and empowering digital experiences for children integrate a family perspective. See brief here. EPA shares Scirearly online survey on early childhood education The European Parents’ Association is delighted to invite early childhood educators to take part in the anonymous online survey. This survey is part of the EU project Scirearly, which aims to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality education and prevent early school leaving and underachievement. You can choose from several languages at https://scirearly.eu/. Thank you for taking part and spreading the message! Image © SCIREARLY Project
ECF: Civic Space Report 2024 - Out now! Our Civic Space Report 2024 is out now! The report monitors civic freedoms across the EU and includes 15 country reports, one Western Balkans chapter and one chapter on the cross-cutting trend of restrictions on protests in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Read the report! Image © European Civic Forum ECAS Call for members ECAS is looking for organisations from Malta, Finland and Slovakia to join their mission to empower citizens to create a more inclusive, stronger European Union. Since 2018, ECAS members have been an essential, strategic component of the organisation, ensuring that results are delivered and ongoing challenges addressed. Discover the benefits of joining this network, which has more than 90 members from over 40 countries. Read more here. Image © pixelshot/canva.com Eurochild: The power of networks to influence European policies and public investment for early childhood development In 2020, a coalition of European networks and national civil society organisations launched the First Years, First Priority campaign. Throughout the campaign, we have witnessed remarkable progress and substantial achievements, and have seen an increase in awareness and prioritisation of early childhood development in the political agendas of various countries and of the EU. The campaign’s success is a testament to the power of collective effort and of the importance of having an enabling environment for advocacy at both national and European level. It highlights the significant role that public bodies, civil society organisations, and experts can play in creating an ecosystem that supports young children and their families, especially those in vulnerable situations. Read more here. ESU: The new edition of ‘Bologna with Student Eyes’ is out! Is your country amongst those that support student counselling services and mobility exchanges? And why are almost more than 60% of student unions dissatisfied with student participation at national level? After more than a year of hard work with our member unions, we are happy to announce that the 2024 edition of ‘Bologna with Student Eyes’ is now out. In addition to having used it for our advocacy work within the Bologna process and the recently adopted communiqué, all the research carried out will serve as a compass to guide our work to raise #student voice until 2027 and the next Ministerial. We have just opened a new chapter of higher education in Europe. You can be sure that ESU, together with its members, will pay close attention to how it develops. Read more here. ESU Briefing: Belarusian students in Exile in danger of losing their study visa, identity documents and access to European universities due to new Lukashenko decree A decree by the Lukashenko regime requires that students can only access identity documents in person in Belarus, putting them at risk of imprisonment. With many passports expiring, these students will lose their study visa in Europe; others won't be able to apply to universities abroad, as they can either not access their high school diplomas in Belarus or fall victim to the regime's latest tactic to delay apostille processes to obtain the needed verification of their documents to apply during the now ongoing application period. Belarusian students urgently need European solutions in order to be able to continue their educational pathways. Read more here. CEV: EVCapital 2026 Candidates Announcement! CEV is happy to announce the three EVCapital Candidates for 2026: Ballina (IE), Maia (PT), and Rzeszów (PL). An EESC representative will form part of the jury for this competition, which aims to recognise municipalities that show excellence in supporting volunteering and are a source of inspiration for those that aspire to do better. You can find out more about the 2026 EVCapital here. ACE welcomes European Council’s adoption of Nature Restoration Law The Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) warmly welcomes the European Council’s adoption of the historic Nature Restoration Law. This law marks an important milestone in the EU’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity, mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable land and water use. It is a key element of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which calls for binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, in particular those with the most potential to capture and store carbon and to prevent and reduce the impact of natural disasters. Read more here. Image: Roundtable. Environment Council - June 2024 © European Union
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