A new mentality

To protect the family, one must believe in it. We thus need to put forward realistic proposals and to support them with conviction at a political level. This seems to be the basic message of MARIE PANAYOTOPOULOS-CASSIOTOU , European MP from Greece, one of the promoters of the “family” intergroup in Strasburg and Brussels. Born in the island of Chios in 1952, of classical education (she studied in Athens, Paris, and Bonn), a teacher with several experiences throughout Europe, she has been at the helm of the Confederation for large families; she is married with George, with whom she has nine children whose picture adorns her office at the European Parliament. The Comece (Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community) has recently published a document proposing a “community strategy” to sustain couples and families. You deal with these issues persistently: what is your opinion? “I regard Comece’s studies and proposals very positively. The document, which I know well, upholds solid values while keeping its feet firmly on the ground. It suggests viable solutions for young couples, promotes the reconciliation of one’s private and professional life, addresses the concerns of home economics, facilities and services for our children’s education and care for the elderly… And it restates the public importance of marriage and the social role of the family”. Comece acknowledges that there’s a new climate of renewed attention to the family in the institutions of the European Union. Would you agree with that? “Yes, certainly. The general climate has changed, and this greater attention comes from analysing demographic data: the birthrate in Europe is declining, the population is getting older and the EU’s growth is due only to immigration. Furthermore, divorce is on the rise and millions of children are caught in marriage crises. All this gives rise to various imperatives: reconciling domestic life with that of the factory or the office, giving support to working parents and allowing them the means to spend more time with their kids, protecting children, and helping people who support the sick and the elderly. All this is falls primarily within national jurisdictions. But the EU can, in the spirit of subsidiarity, help to raise member states’ awareness of these issues; it must help to balance inequalities between the various states, and encourage shared measures. And as well as dealing with demographic and economic issues, we must encourage collaboration between institutions, associations and civil society. Churches must also take part in this process, as it is not enough to take care of material needs. One only needs to remember Jesus’ words: man does not live on bread alone…”. Could you give us some examples of possible EU actions? “Among other proposals, Comece has suggested the reduction of VAT on childcare products. Well, this is feasible and fair: it is already happening in some countries (even at the risk of the commission demanding compensation) and others could be encouraged to join them. I support expanding the list of goods and services necessary to families on which to reduce levies: this is already happening in Portugal, Poland and the Czech Republic. Furthermore, we should arrange for maternity benefits and allowances to make up for the inequalities that exist between countries regarding maternity leave for mums and dads. In my view, current local and national policy lacks in foresight; it is dealing only with what is already in place. The EU could instead foster greater social and political responsibility towards the future, and future generations”. Are there national realities in Europe that are more favourable for childbirth and parenting? “It is generally recognised that France has effective family policies in place, and offers good services for childcare: in terms of the birth-rate, they have had some of the best results in Europe. This can also be said for the other states of central and northern Europe. But be aware that every country has its particular situation, history, mentality and tradition. Germany too has several services and initiatives for children and families in place, but results have been very different from those in France”. You have often dealt with domestic violence. Is it of grave concern in Europe? “It is a sad reality, and widespread in every country. Violence is part of human nature, but today it is certainly incited by our lifestyle and by the mass media. Children that play videogames are overwhelmed by it. We need urgent action to overcome this culture of subjugation and create a more serene environment in the home. Equality between men and women can no longer be called into question. Only in this way we will be able to oppose the violence inflicted every day on too many children and women in European homes”.