aria Petkova, Director of Tulip Foundation, took part in an International Care Conference “Does Europe care?”, organised by the University of Amsterdam. Distinguished speakers took part in the conference on 28-29 April 2011 and presented their statements during the planery sessions and 24 working groups.

The conference took place at the ceremonial hall of the University of Amsterdam – an old Lutheran church and at Felix Meritis Cultural Centre. The participants discussed what happens in Europe in a changing societies, economies and generation; what are the trends and what is the balance between state responsibilities and citizens responsibilities in EU in the field of long term care.

The official opening was celebrated with a plenary speech by Mr. Koos Richelle, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Special presentations were made by Eric van der Burg, Alderman of Care, Welfare and Sport and Andrée van Es, Alderman of Work, Income, Citizenship, Diversity and Integration. Eelco Damen, Chairman of the Board of Cordaan, delivered the concluding notes.