ELFAC member associations met online on Friday 19 November because of the increase in covid infections across Europe.
Representatives of member associations reviewed the activities carried out by ELFAC since the last general assembly, and still under the impact of the covid pandemic. Despite this, among the numerous actions carried out, the following were highlighted:
- the survey carried out in twelve languages on large families and environmental protection;
- contacts and meetings with the new Vice-Presidency for Demography and Democracy of the European Commission;
- the successful holding of the 10th European Large Families Congress in Keszthely (Hungary);
- the media impact of the presentation of the Large Family of the Year Award by the President of the Republic of Croatia;
- the publication of the ELFAC Papers every two months to disseminate studies and data of interest on large families;
- ELFAC obtaining consultative status at the United Nations.
The activities of the European Network of Family-Friendly Municipalities were also reviewed. The Estonian association was congratulated for the organisation of the 2nd European Convention, which was a success in terms of participation despite the fact that it had to be held online. The Virtual Tours of municipalities continued, the 2nd congress was organised and a mutual recognition agreement was signed with the Italian Network. During the assembly, the new website of the European Network, under the domain familycities.eu, was also presented.
Regarding the objectives for the following year, some new ones were set such as the organisation of thematic meetings of the Expert Advisory Committee, the launching of the European and international large family card, the organisation of the 3rd convention and the 3rd congress of the European Network, the organisation of meetings of young members of European large families, the active participation in the Commissions for Social Development, Women and Population of the United Nations, and the organisation of the 11th European Congress.
At the end of the assembly, the national associations gave a brief report of their activities, showing the wealth and variety of actions carried out throughout Europe for the benefit and support of large families.
