"The implosion of the birth rate and the crisis of the family states, in the document, Comece, which in 2004 had already published some proposals about this produce serious risks and high emotional, social and financial costs for European society"; therefore "it is in Europe’s general interest to support and strengthen that stable and responsible relationship between man and woman of which marriage is the ideal expression". "Helping married couples in their relational life" and "supporting parents in their educational tasks" are the goals stated in the document as a desirable "shared commitment" in the EU member states. From 1980 to 2005, states the document, in Europe "the number of divorces has increased by over 50%, and more than 13.5 million divorces have affected over 21 million children over the last 15 years". Hence the importance of a good "education for engaged couples and marital communication schemes, to improve communication and the ability to cope with crises". In addition, according to Comece, "the review of the Lisbon Strategy (due in March 2008) should be an opportunity to strengthen the social dimension" of such strategy, "by introducing initiatives for a better work-life balance". (continued)
