Minister Maląg recalled that Poland was one of the first countries to indicate the importance of demographic policy. Measures to support families and the importance of pro-family policies as an answer to demographic challenges faced by the Visegrad Group member states is a relatively new topic in the 30-year history of this cooperation.

- After we have taken the office at the end of 2015, all programmes that increased the dignity of the family, that posed an investment in human capital are still continued today regardless of the difficult times we are experiencing - Minister Marlena Maląg pointed out.

In turn, the Secretary of State for European Policy, Polish Diaspora and Diplomacy, Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk, emphasized that Poland undoubtedly has reasons to be proud within the context of pro-family policy. The Deputy Minister also pointed out that our partners from the Visegrad Group have interesting solutions that are worth using and trying to adapt to our conditions.

V4 Family Ministers videoconference on good practices and family-friendly solutions

- I am glad that even in this difficult time of a pandemic we do not forget about important subjects such as families - said Minister Marlena Maląg in her speech opening the meeting; she also added - Pro-family policy, in particular in the context of the worsening demographic situation worsening throughout Europe is particularly important today. The Minister of Family expressed hope that the subsequent working meetings will allow to establish a common declaration concerning support for families and to exchange experiences and good practices applied by the governments of individual countries in this area.

She also reminded that since the United Right took office rule, the family has been the focus of attention not only of the Ministry of the Family; in addition, a positive image of the family has been consistently created, and the financial outlays incurred are not treated as expenditure but rather as an investment in human capital.

Actions taken in this area – ranging from the flagship programme Family 500+, through Good Start, Toddler+, Apartment+, family-friendly tax policy and parental leaves – bring measurable effects. Minister Maląg also brought attention to the involvement of local governments and non-governmental organisations in these activities. – Together we create a good climate for the family – said Minister Maląg.

Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointed out that demographic problems in the Visegrad Group countries are similar, although the manners how they deal with them may vary. – Therefore, coordinated, active measures in the region and sharing experiences in this area are required – the Minister noted.

What does science tell us about the family?

Michał A. Michalski, PhD, Professor at Adam Mickiewicz University (UAM) from the Institute for Family Studies, quoted economist Gary S. Breker's thesis that population growth has positive effects and brings benefits. The family is the key to the well-being of society, while at the same time it is the foundation of stability, prosperity and development of local societies.

 According to Prof. Michalski, not only the aspect of economic security is important in the family, but also parental care, upbringing and mutual relations. In subsequent generations, they develop the desired soft values, such as trust, responsibility and civic maturity, crucial for success in later life. Thus, it is the family that conditions the biological, social and cultural reproduction of society.

Hungary – increasing number of weddings

Katalin Novák, Hungary's Minister for Family, shared her experience and assured that her government also puts the family at the centre. – We support young people when starting a family and when raising children – she said. She noted that in contrast to Western European countries, which also face demographic problems, Central European countries have solutions other than immigration. – What is important to us is not only the population size, but above all its composition, allowing to conserve heritage – the Minister emphasised.

Hungary spends 5% of GDP on supporting families. This is 2.5 times more than in 2010. The most important instruments involve providing young people with jobs, housing and the opportunity to reconcile work and family life. This is why Hungary has introduced the largest pro-family programme in its history, which aims to provide housing as one of the basic conditions for starting a family and deciding to have children. New nurseries are being built.

She also drew attention to the role of families during the pandemic. According to the minister, families find it is easier to survive this difficult period, and families are the basic guarantor of stability.

Slovakia – finances and the desired climate

Milan Krajniak, representing the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic, declared that his government's aim was to bring the household into the state's economic system. – When I joined the Ministry a year ago, I found a lot of programmes aimed at various disadvantaged groups, while at the same time a little for families. We want to change this situation – he said.

As an example, he provided a benefit for pregnant women, which is a guarantee that the state will continue to support them after the child's birth, or Pillar III of the family pension, giving the possibility to transfer part of the contributions to parents' pensions. – However, economic incentives alone are not enough, we still need to change the perception of the family to build its specific image – he concluded.

Czech Republic also focuses on fertility

Martina Štěpánková, Deputy Minister for EU Funds and International Cooperation in the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic, assured that she prioritised pro-family policy concepts in order to prevent a decrease in fertility and an ageing population. – We are using economic support through benefits – since January we have increased subsidies for children, we have increased tax deductions for children and spouses without income, we are making it easier to reconcile family life with work, and we are also helping single-parent families– Minister Štěpánková enumerated.

She pointed out the problems experienced by women who return to the labour market after a three-year break due to maternity and parental leave, while also adding that the number of men who are interested in such leave, also continues to increase.

Barbara Socha, Government Plenipotentiary for Demographic Policy, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Policy, announced further common work to develop effective measures to improve the demographic situation.