This publication basically takes up the papers given by Eastern European experts at the experts’ meeting «Eastern European Countries - Reconciliation of Family and Work» organised by the EU Network «Family & Work» in Brussels on 2 June 1999. The papers focus on the current situation in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia concerning reconciling family and work. They give a historical overview of the past status of the family with regard to equal opportunities between men and women. Some describe the existing family models and major changes/trends in connection with the transformation process. This publication will be of interest to experts from different interest groups and research areas.