It's encouraging to see a European secularist acknowledge Europe's birth problem. Unfortunately, we suspect he's sparring for the socialist vision: Using the State to make it possible for women to work and raise families. In other words: establishing numerous, cheap, state-run daycare facilities. It's been a part of the Left's vision since at least Gunnar Myrdal.
We need more children and a better balance between work and family life, says Vladimir Spidla, European Union Commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities.
Calling for a modernization of the “European Social Model”, a press release from the Commissioner's office states that failing to address declining birth rates and family needs “would directly hit Europe's future economic growth, as well as putting a potentially unbearable burden on women's shoulders”.
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