A Landmark Shift Towards a "Care Society" – Eleonora Meleti’s Report Gets the Green Light

In a decisive move to overhaul Europe’s social framework, the European Parliament has taken a stand against the "invisible" burden of caregiving that has disproportionately fallen on women for decades. On Tuesday, with a landslide majority of 60 votes in favor (to 8 against), the Committees on Employment (EMPL) and Women’s Rights (FEMM) approved a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at transitioning toward a "Care Society."

The report, spearheaded by Greek MEP (EPP) and FEMM Committee Coordinator Eleonora Meleti, addresses pressing demographic shifts and deep-seated gender inequality. Current data reveals a stark reality: over 75% of all caregiving tasks across the EU are performed by women.

Core Pillars of the Reform

The approved report serves as more than just a statement of intent; it is a roadmap for fundamental structural change:
• Equal Sharing of Responsibility: MEPs are calling for an end to gender stereotypes, urging member states to encourage men to take an equal share of family duties through awareness campaigns and flexible work arrangements.
• Recognition of "Informal Carers": For the first time, significant focus is placed on those who care for loved ones at home without pay. The report calls for a European Carers’ Statute to ensure social security, pension rights, and formal recognition for these individuals.
• Empowering Professionals: The proposal seeks to improve working conditions within the care sector—targeting better wages and mental health support—to tackle chronic staff shortages.
• Access to Services: Care is now being defined as a fundamental human right, not a privilege. The report demands investment in high-quality, affordable childcare and community-based services for the elderly.
"We believe in a Europe that cares: supporting carers and boosting parental leave will allow women to fully participate in the labor market. This is a matter of basic fairness," stated Eleonora Meleti following the vote.

The "European Care Deal"

This development aligns with the European Commission’s announcement of a comprehensive European Care Deal, set to be formally presented in 2027. The goal is to create a safety net that includes everything from digital upskilling for carers to protecting the rights of non-EU workers in the sector, ensuring legal migration paths and an end to exploitation.

What’s Next?

The draft report is scheduled for a final debate and vote during the European Parliament's plenary session in April. If passed, it will signal the dawn of a new era where the "care economy" sits at the very heart of European policymaking.