Watch the webinar: Putting care at the heart of Europe – Towards a European Care Strategy

Together with Frances Fitzgerald MEP and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, Eurofound organised an online event on Thursday 3 December at 12.00 GMT (13.00 CET) to examine the situation of care in the EU and Ireland and to explore the development of a European Care Strategy.

Frances Fitzgerald MEP, who chaired the discussion, is currently working on the development of a ‘European Care Strategy’ together with Dennis Radtke MEP. The webinar was an opportunity for MEP Radtke to provide a key address, in particular on how carers can be supported in their role.

This was followed by a presentation from Hans Dubois, Research Manager at Eurofound, who drew on Eurofound’s recent report on early childhood education and care (ECEC), healthcare, and long-term care and the current situation in various EU Member States.

Against this background, a panel debate took place along with a Q&A session where participants were able to comment and ask questions via a LIVE chat. The panel included:

• Mary Butler TD, Irish Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people
• John Dunne, CEO Family Carers Ireland and former President of Eurocarers
• Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI)
• Stecy Yghemonos, Executive Director, Eurocarers

The COVID-19 crisis has necessitated a review and reconsideration of how we view care work and care services within our society. The webinar was an opportunity to highlight and hear from the experiences of carers throughout the pandemic as well as a chance to focus on what is required at EU level to support carers in their work through the development of a European Care Strategy.