Implementing the EU Child Guarantee in: Spotlight on Malta
Eurochild was pleased to support the organisation of the event "Advancing and Promoting the Implementation of the European Child Guarantee through ESF+ Funding Instruments" held on 27–28 May in Malta.
Hosted by the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation: Community of Practice on Social Inclusion, the event provided a valuable platform for mutual learning and exchange among public authorities, including European Social Fund Plus Managing authorities and key stakeholders. It brought together more than sixty participants from 16 EU Member States.
Distinguished speakers included Hon. Michael Falzon, Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights in Malta, and Katarina Ivanković Knežević, Director for Social Rights and Inclusion at DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission, who addressed participants via video message.
Special thanks go to Eurochild member, the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, and Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca for their pivotal role in shaping the event. Their contributions included presenting key recommendations for more effective implementation of the Child Guarantee in the current challenging context and organising insightful site visits. These showcased the work of both the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society and the Malta Trust Foundation.
A highlight of the event was a powerful intervention by Shanalee, a representative of the Maltese Children’s Council, who shared how her active participation in the Council has influenced local decision-making. Eurochild’s members played a key role in bringing valuable insights and inspiration to the event, especially on reaching out to the most vulnerable children and meaningful child participation.
Malta’s Child Guarantee efforts are largely underpinned by European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) support, complemented by national resources. The 2024 national budget launched a series of new child-centred initiatives, many of which are already in the process of being rolled out, demonstrating the living character of Child Guarantee Action Plan in Malta. Participants also had the opportunity to visit and learn from various public sector-led good practices, including: Child Protection Services, Directorate for Alternative Care, Home-Based Therapeutic Services, Children’s House – Court and Services Education and Child Care Services.
Additionally, the event highlighted innovative NGO-led practices, such as:
- TBISSIMA – A Licensed Non-Formal Education Programme
- The Blossom Project – Counselling Services in State Schools
- Villabianca Centre for Music and the Arts – for Children and Young People with Disabilities
- Children’s Local Council Meeting
- The POP-Up Project – Promoting Online Protection
This two-day study visit offered a unique opportunity to share experiences and explore how diverse practices, strong collaboration, and ESF+ funding can drive the effective implementation of the European Child Guarantee in addressing child poverty.
The event was especially timely, taking place amid ongoing discussions about the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, where emerging priorities such as competitiveness and defence risk overshadowing vital social policies. It therefore served as a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining and strengthening the Child Guarantee, ensuring that no child is left behind.
Photo by Social Innovation Initiative
