Summary:

In 2002, the European Council decided in Barcelona to set targets for the availability of childcare facilities. Member States agreed to provide childcare by 2010 to at least 90 % of children between 3 years old and the mandatory school age and to at least 33 % of children under 3 years of age. The Workshop organised by the Policy Department takes stock of the situation in Belgium, France, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, and Slovakia. Besides, analyses are presented of the effects of the crisis and to what extend the offer of childcare services has been combined with other policies to encourage female employment and the reconciliation of work and family life.