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Supporting the Evolving Needs of EU Delegations Families

EUDPN ASBL (formerly known as EUFN) is a dedicated non-profit association registered in Belgium that provides essential support to the families of expatriate EU staff members working in EU Delegations worldwide. Officially recognised by the European Union, we collaborate closely with the EEAS Family Officer to enhance the wellbeing of Delegation families, ensuring they receive the support and resources they need during their time abroad. Our association, based in Brussels, is operated entirely by volunteers with years of invaluable experience in relocating and integrating in delegations: with this wealth of expertise, we support families in navigating the complexities of life in a foreign country.

 

Moving to a new country as a family for a Delegation assignment offers both excitement and challenges. In recent decades, the concept of family has evolved considerably. Gone are the days when most spouses and partners were content with the traditional ‘trailing’ role. Today, dual-career families are much more common, and with this shift, the needs and expectations of spouses and partners towards the EU diplomatic service have changed dramatically. These families seek opportunities for personal and professional growth alongside their working spouses or partners, and they require tailored support to balance career aspirations with the demands of Delegation life.

 

EUDPN ASBL is deeply committed to helping Delegation families adapt to and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of diplomatic life. We understand the unique pressures they face and are focused on providing guidance, resources, and a supportive community to help them manage the challenges of expatriation, career development, and family life while serving the European Union abroad. Our mission is to ensure that every family feels empowered and supported throughout their journey in the EU diplomatic service.

What Can We Do For You?

First and foremost, you are not on you own. EUDPN ASBL advises families in all stages of a Delegation posting, i.e. before, during and after taking up of duty. We help with typical relocation issues (moving, housing and schooling), but also with family crises or situations of evacuation.

 

Support of spouses & partners is crucial for the success of a delegation posting. For this reason, we operate a closed Facebook group with former and current Delegation spouses & partners, offering a safe space where you can reach out for support from like-minded people. Join our EUDPN Facebook today!

 

We firmly believe in informed spouses and partners. We organise webinars on family-related issues, including on taxes and residences, career support, relocation and integration, etc. We also hold information sessions as part of the various official EEAS/EC pre-postings.

 

Coming to Brussels? In spring 2024, we have set up a Brussels-based EUDPN Group that meets in person once a month for coffee mornings and various cultural events.

 

We are a dedicated member of our umbrella organisation 'European Union Foreign Affairs Spouses, Partners and Families Association (EUFASA) AISBL' bringing together 22 Foreign service families’ associations from across Europe.  In that context, we lobby for new family policy tools in close cooperation with the EEAS Family Officer.

How Can You Join Us?

EUDPN ASBL welcomes as members:

  • spouses as well as registered or cohabiting partners,

  • of expat staff from the EEAS/EU Commission/EU Member States,

  • who are, will be or have been posted to a EU Delegation.
     

​We accept spouses and partners regardless of whether they accompany the staff on posting or stay home, in Brussels or elsewhere.

Need more information? Want to join EUDPN ASBL as a member? Contact us today

Welcome Team

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Nadia von Bassewitz

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Carolina Gallardo Di Girolamo

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EUFASA AISBL

Our Participation in EUFASA AISBL

EUDPN ASBL is a dedictated member of our umbrella organisation 'European Union Foreign Affairs Spouses, Partner and Families Association (EUFASA) AISBL' bringing together 22 Foreign service families’ associations from across Europe.

EUDPN delegates have participated in various annual EUFASA Conferences since the early 2000s.

Over the years, EUDPN ASBL has chaired various EUFASA Working Groups, including on employment, children and education, legal matters, EUFASA Think Tank, Welcome Team, etc., thus shaping EUFASA's networking and advocacy work.

Among other things, our delegates contributed to the adoption of the first Declaration on the Rights of Families Working Abroad, which represents an important milestone for EUFASA. Our delegates also arranged the registration of EUFASA AISBL as a non-profit organisation in Belgium.

About EUFASA AISBL

Since  its creation in1985, EUFASA AISBL has worked to raise awareness about the particular challenges of diplomatic family life and has advocated for effective family support practices within Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Europe and the EU.

EUFASA fosters the exchange of information and best practices among its members in order. It also aims to develop strategic partnerships with the MFAs in Europe and the EU to formulate and implement laws, regulations, and policies to support foreign service families.

EUFASA's areas of concern and activity include:

  • Employment issues, including employability and access to work permits

  • Social rights, such as pension issues and health insurance coverage

  • Children’s issues, including education and additional needs

  • Family well-being and crisis management issues, such as access to psychological support, security/safety, and crisis preparedness

  • Equal rights and support for LGBTQ, unmarried, and foreign-born partners and spouses

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