European body for homemakers

Subject: European body for homemakers

ISTAT data indicate that, in Italy alone, around 7 million women play the role of homemaker.

Unfortunately, more than 700 000 of them are living in absolute poverty, as their status is still not adequately recognised.

The nature of their work is twofold: on the one hand educational and entailing assistance, and on the other hand of an economic nature and involving management skills. Thanks to their help, members of the family are able to assist with work and the management of children and of the family budget.

Articles 153 and 8 TFEU confer on the European Union powers, on the one hand, to act in the field of equal opportunities in employment, and on the other hand to eliminate inequalities and promote gender equality in all the activities of men and women.

1. Does not the Commission believe that honouring the commitment in the ECHR to protect the family by setting up a European body for homemakers could be an important gesture in support and recognition of a profession now being pursued by thousands of people in Europe?

2. Might it be worthwhile to raise this idea with a parliamentary committee?

Answer given by Ms Thyssen on behalf of the European Commission

(15 April 2019)

1. The Commission recognises challenges faced by the growing number of informal carers in the EU. The European Pillar of Social Rights, in particular principle 18, puts a strong emphasis on the right to long-term care, especially to home-care and community- based services.

The new Directive on Work-Life Balance for Parents and Carers, agreed by the co-legislators in 2019, once entered into force, will have a positive impact on informal carers who are also engaged in paid employment, through the introduction of carer’s leave and the right to request flexible working arrangements.

The Commission has also been working on improving the knowledge base on long-term care, including via a joint study with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development on the workforce in this sector, developing indicators together with the Social Protection Committee and promoting cooperation and exchanges of good practices among Member States.

The Commission does not intend to establish a European body for homemakers. In addition, the recognition of a profession of an informal caregiver is the responsibility of the Member States.

2. The Commission has been actively involved in the discussions on the issue of informal carers and domestic workers with the Employment and Social Affairs Committee and the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee of the European Parliament.