Addressing EU demographic challenges: supporting large families and single parents

Family Cities considers this study a valuable contribution to the European discussion on demographic challenges and family support. Its focus on large families, single parents and the possible development of a European Large Family Card is closely aligned with our mission to promote family-friendly policies across Europe.

This study, prepared for the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Transport, Employment and Social Affairs and commissioned by the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), reviews support for large families and single parents across the European Union. It analyses vulnerabilities of these households and provides recommendations to improve support at both EU and Member State level. Particular attention is paid to the implementation of large family cards across the EU Member States, and the feasibility of a European Large Family Card.

Source: European Parliament Think Tank, “Research for EMPL Committee – Addressing EU demographic challenges: supporting large families and single parents”, Study, 10 June 2026. Original document available here. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/CASP_STU%282026%29759346