Why a new vision for children is needed in the 2026 European Semester
Eurochild calls for a comprehensive approach to child poverty and social exclusion to ensure the new EU budget tackles social disparities from childhood.
The European Commission’s 2026 European Semester Autumn Package, published in November 2025, launched the annual EU cycle for coordinating economic, employment, and social policies. A key focus is on boosting competitiveness, with the Union of Skills playing a central role due to its links to education, lifelong learning, skills development, and social inclusion. The 2026 cycle is especially significant as it will help shape the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The Commission proposes that much of the future funding be distributed through national and regional partnership plans (NRPPs) and the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), which must address challenges identified through the European Semester, including country-specific recommendations.
Eurochild’s analysis of the package concentrates on the Proposal for a Joint Employment Report, which reviews employment and social trends, tracks progress toward the EU’s 2030 targets, and assesses implementation of the Employment Guidelines and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Eurochild welcomes the broader focus on social outcomes like poverty, inequality, and access to services, but notes that children are still mainly considered in relation to labour market participation and future skills, rather than from a comprehensive child rights perspective.
