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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.

Welcome Team

Nadia von Bassewitz

Carolina Gallardo Di Girolamo

Alexandra Vetter

Esmeralda Bertule

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:
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Employment issues, including employability and access to work permits
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Social rights, such as pension issues and health insurance coverage
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Children’s issues, including education and additional needs
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Family well-being and crisis management issues, such as access to psychological support, security/safety, and crisis preparedness
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Equal rights and support for LGBTQ, unmarried, and foreign-born partners and spouses