European family ministers agree to cooperate in supporting families

European ministers responsible for family affairs meet in Vienna on 16-17 June to discuss possibilities to adopt more family-friendly policies. In the conference, the ministers will be discussing, for example, why many Europeans have fewer children than they actually want and how family-friendly policies can be realised. Finland is represented by the Minister of Health and Social Services Paula Risikko.

According to Minister Risikko, Finland has done much for more family-friendly communities and the support for families will be continued.

"The society needs children. We must support families with policies that create favourable conditions for having children. For example, creating more family-friendly workplaces helps parents to reconcile work and family life," said Minister Risikko.

The conference of family ministers will be rounded off with conclusions on family policy. The Member States will agree to cooperate in order to jointly support people to have the number of children they wish. The conclusions will discuss family-friendly communities and the rights of the child, gender equality, reconciliation of work and family life, support for young women and men, childlessness not by choice as well as consistent and cohesive family policies.

Ministerial Adviser Tarja Kahiluoto, tel.  050 380 6527
Ministerial Adviser Outi Kuivasniemi, tel.  050 4350269